Overview
The National High School Game Academy (NHSGA) explores the video game industry and the skills needed to be successful in it. The program includes an exciting blend of hands-on exercises combined with traditional lecture and discussion. Students are encouraged to expand their own creative possibilities in a unique blend of left- and right-brain college-level work. Check out video from the National High School Game Academy Program.
Inspired by the Carnegie Mellon graduate program, Entertainment Technology, the NHSGA is structured to give students a taste of the current state of video game development and provide guidance toward embarking on their own career in the video game industry.
Video games are now a major force in the world of popular entertainment. Video game sales, in the U.S., have outgrown the film industries annual box office sales. Plus, this industry is still growing with the emergence of casual gaming, online gaming and serious gaming, so companies are continually looking for passionate, creative and talented individuals.
The program encourages all students to apply. No particular technical or artistic skills are needed. Regardless of your background, if you are interested in exploring the world of video game development, the National High School Game Academy is the program for you.
While creating a real college-level environment, students are encouraged to explore their interests, expand their technical knowledge and develop their interpersonal skills. They will learn about job opportunities in the industry and what is needed to be competitive in this job market. There is a misconception that if one is good at playing video games then they will be good at creating video games. Students in this program will discover just how much hard work and talent is needed to be successful.
Check out Game Maker, a 2009 National High School Game Academy student's overview of the program.
