Introduction to Game Design

Learn coding and game design using Microsoft MakeCode Arcade. You’ll create and test 8-bit video games — from the graphics to the chiptone music — and investigate different game genres. You’ll learn the foundations of game design and work together in small groups to propose projects and test each other’s games as you work toward your end products. We’ll conclude the course with a celebration of everyone’s finished games!

What You’ll Learn

• Foundational coding and game design concepts
• How to create and test a variety of game components
• How to work collaboratively in teams

Who Should Register 

This course is for incoming sixth to eighth graders. You don’t need any previous game design experience to enroll.

More Information

This in-person course is taught on the UW Seattle campus. You’ll need regular access to a laptop. If you can’t bring one, we have a limited number of laptops for students with demonstrated need. You’ll have the opportunity to request one during registration.

There’s a nonrefundable $50 registration fee each quarter you register. See the FAQs page for details about registration, refunds, waitlists and more.

Details

Jul 27–Aug 7, 2026 3A	Day Mon–Fri	Time 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
	Location UW Seattle	Cost $995
	Instructor Orion Wenzinger	Register

Jul 27–Aug 7, 2026 3B	Day Mon–Fri	Time 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
	Location UW Seattle	Cost $995
	Instructor Orion Wenzinger	Register

Aug 10–Aug 21, 2026 4A	Day Mon–Fri	Time 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
	Location UW Seattle	Cost $995
	Instructor Orion Wenzinger	Register

Aug 10–Aug 21, 2026 4B	Day Mon–Fri	Time 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
	Location UW Seattle	Cost $995
	Instructor Orion Wenzinger	Register