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    In-person Programme

    Game Design

    by National Student Leadership Conference

    A hands-on pre-college programme where students build and test original video games while exploring storytelling, mechanics, 2D and 3D design, and industry practice.

    Last verified: 4 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    Game Design

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    Game Design Programme at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Past

    Eligibility

    High-school students

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    UCLA, Los Angeles

    Cost

    $4,295

    Duration

    9 days

    Format

    In-person residential

    Next deadline

    Not announced

    See similar programmes
    DesignComputer Science

    Accommodation: Supervised campus dormitory

    Meals: Campus meals included

    Latest verified cycle: Summer 2026

    Main output: Playable game and showcase

    Assessment style: Playtesting and peer feedback

    Game Design Programme summary

    Students move from original concepts to playable games, exploring mechanics, environmental design, story, characters and dialogue.

    Practical work includes a 2D platformer, 3D world building, accessibility features and a final playtesting showcase with peer feedback.

    The programme suits students who want to test game development as a possible academic or career direction while experiencing residential campus life.

    What is Game Design?

    The Game Design programme is a residential pre-college experience run by the National Student Leadership Conference. It connects creativity and technology through story, art, code and interactive systems.

    Students use industry-style tools and design processes to build game concepts, develop playable environments and refine their work through testing. Leadership workshops, guest speakers and field trips add professional and personal-development context.

    Why Succeed highlights Game Design Programme

    • Students produce playable work rather than only learning game-design theory.

    • The curriculum connects mechanics, storytelling, art, code and player experience.

    • Accessibility is treated as part of design through visual, vibration and captioning features.

    • Playtesting gives students direct feedback on mechanics, user experience and story flow.

    • Industry speakers and Los Angeles visits provide useful career context.

    Who is Game Design Programme for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy combining creative storytelling, visual design and technical problem-solving, and want to test game development through practical projects.

    Not ideal if

    You want a non-residential option, a low-cost short course or a programme focused solely on advanced programming.

    Is Game Design Programme worth it?

    The programme can be worthwhile for a student who wants an immersive introduction to the full game-design process. Building and testing playable work offers stronger insight into the field than passive career exploration.

    The main limitation is the substantial residential fee, particularly because optional college credit costs extra. Families should judge the experience by its practical curriculum, residential support and career exploration rather than the UCLA venue name.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $4,295; includes Supervised campus housing, On-campus meals, Course materials and academic expenses, Trips, tours and activities, Off-campus event transportation.

    Accommodation

    Supervised campus dormitory

    Meals

    Campus meals included

    Provider details

    Review the National Student Leadership Conference provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    9 days; UCLA, Los Angeles.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this programme with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programmes

    How much preparation does Game Design Programme need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high.

    Best started

    Begin enrollment and funding planning several months before summer; start scholarship preparation before the published spring deadline.

    Main challenge

    Turning a creative concept into coherent mechanics, story and player experience.

    Typical preparation

    • Sketch a simple game idea with a clear player goal.

    • Try a beginner-friendly game engine or level-design tool.

    • Collect examples of games with strong mechanics, stories or accessibility.

    • Prepare questions about game-development careers for speakers and visits.

    Useful if

    You have tried basic game creation, coding, digital art or creative writing.

    What do students do on Game Design Programme?

    Students develop an original game from concept to playable form while learning how design choices shape story, mechanics, accessibility and player experience.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Develop an original game concept using storytelling, mechanics and environmental design.

    2. 2

      Build a 2D platformer and create 3D worlds using game engines.

    3. 3

      Design levels and characters around the game environment.

    4. 4

      Write characters, storylines and interactive dialogue.

    5. 5

      Add accessibility features such as visual indicators, vibration and captions.

    6. 6

      Prototype, playtest and refine the game using peer feedback.

    7. 7

      Present the finished work in a playtesting showcase.

    Game Design Programme dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Applications

    Rolling admissions

    Accepted while programme or waitlist space remains.

    Reference date
    Get next-cycle reminder

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Ages 14-18

    • Completed at least one high-school year

    • Current high-school students

    • Summer after graduation permitted

    • Academic excellence and leadership ability encouraged

    How much does Game Design Programme cost?

    Residential tuition

    $4,295 — Includes the main residential programme package.

    Funding or discounts

    • Summer scholarship: Usually $500-$1,000 — Need-based awards for enrolled students.
    • Payment plan: Monthly payments
    • Optional college credit: $1,044 — Separate online one-credit course.

    What's included

    Supervised campus housing, On-campus meals, Course materials and academic expenses, Trips, tours and activities, Off-campus event transportation

    How to apply to Game Design Programme

    1. 1

      Open the official online enrollment portal.

    2. 2

      Create an NSLC account or enter an existing NSLC ID.

    3. 3

      Provide the student's birth date, grade and enrollment details.

    4. 4

      Choose an available Game Design session.

    5. 5

      Complete the online enrollment application.

    6. 6

      Place the required deposit by card, or contact NSLC to pay by check.

    7. 7

      If funding is needed, enroll first and then complete the scholarship application.

    What does Game Design Programme cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    2D and 3D Design

    Build a 2D platformer and create 3D worlds using game engines.

    Levels and Characters

    Explore how environments shape levels, characters and player immersion.

    Interactive Storytelling

    Create characters, storylines and dialogue that respond to players.

    Accessible Game Design

    Add visual indicators, controller vibration and closed captioning.

    Playtesting and Refinement

    Test mechanics, user experience and story flow with peers.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Game Design Programme?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Academic sessions

    Hands-on workshops cover game concepts, design, prototyping and testing.

    Leadership workshops

    Sessions address communication, listening, resilience and empathy.

    Trips and tours

    Visits may include studios, creative institutions and Los Angeles attractions.

    Who teaches on Game Design Programme?

    Programme instruction is complemented by guest speakers with practical game-industry knowledge. Past speakers have included developers, designers, producers, animators and university faculty from organisations such as Riot Games, USC and Firaxis Games.

    The named speakers are past guests, so future participation is not guaranteed.

    Where do students stay on Game Design Programme?

    Residential plan

    • Campus dormitory: All students reside in supervised campus housing.
    • Meals: On-campus meals are provided through campus dining services.
    • Overnight supervision: Resident Advisors live on student floors, with an administrative team on site.
    • Campus experience: Students use university classrooms, navigate campus and live with roommates.

    Students are generally housed with one or two roommates on a floor with peers in their age range.

    What happens after Game Design Programme?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Use the playable game as evidence of practical subject exploration.

    Develop a clearer view of game-design study and career pathways.

    Build experience in design iteration, testing and feedback.

    Apply leadership communication skills to future collaborative projects.

    Consider the optional one-credit online course for formal academic credit.

    Optional American University credit requires separate enrollment, work and tuition.

    Where does Game Design Programme take place?

    The programme takes place on the University of California, Los Angeles campus in Los Angeles. Students live in supervised campus dormitories and may visit local game, creative and entertainment organisations alongside sightseeing destinations.

    NSLC states that the programme is not sponsored by UCLA.

    Game Design Programme FAQs

    Students explore 2D and 3D design, levels, characters, interactive storytelling, accessibility and playtesting. The curriculum links creative ideas with mechanics, logic and player experience.

    Yes. Students build original concepts, create playable elements and present their work in a playtesting showcase.

    No coding prerequisite is stated. The programme introduces game development through practical workshops using game engines and industry-style processes.

    Yes. Students live in supervised campus dormitories, and housing is included in the published residential tuition.

    Yes. On-campus meals are included and provided through campus dining services. Dietary allergies and restrictions can be accommodated when recorded in the student profile.

    Examples include Nant Studios, Gnomon, Glitch City, an escape room and Santa Monica Pier. Specific trips can vary.

    Yes. Enrolled students with financial need may apply. Most awards are in the $500-$1,000 range and do not normally cover the full programme cost.

    Students may separately enroll in an optional one-credit American University online course. It is completed outside the residential programme dates and has an additional fee.

    Alternatives to Game Design Programme

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • GAME UCLA by NSLC - Flipsnack
    • NSLC Enrollment Application
    • UCLA High School Summer Programs | NSLC | Los Angeles
    • Youth Leadership Programs | National Student Leadership Conference
    • Frequently Asked Questions | National Student Leadership Conference
    • Summer Program Scholarships | National Student Leadership Conference
    • Video Game Design Camp: Craft Your Own Game

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 4 Aug 2026)

    • Programme identity checked

    • Dates cross-checked

    • Tuition verified

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Enrollment route checked

    • Scholarship terms reviewed

    • Residential details checked

    • Refund policy reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.