FAQs

Join us: 

• If you want to make your own video games, or you’re curious about how your favorite games were made
• If you’re an artist or musician, or you want to learn to use creative digital tools
• If you’re a programmer, or you want to learn a new programming language (C# in Unity3D)
• If you’re a writer, or you want to create interactive stories and design characters
• If you want to stand out on college applications through creative, technical, entrepreneurial, and collaborative experiences

Studying game design can help you tell engaging stories that matter to you, collaborate in creative teams, carry out long-term projects, and learn to code in a fun environment. You will finish each course with a digital portfolio that includes your own game creations!

We provide after-school, Saturday, and summer game design and development courses for high school students in NYC. Some courses are short, meeting for 3 days or less. 

Most courses are year-long or summer-long intensives, where you build all the skills you need to to make your own game: coding, art, sound/music, story writing and more. Once you have completed our level 1 course–2D Game Development–you are eligible to continue the program with 3D Game Development (level 2) and Game Studio Capstone (level 3) to make more games in teams, and build advanced level art and programming skills.  

Go here for a list of all current or upcoming courses.

Currently, our programming is completely free to eligible students. This includes:

• Snacks and meals (in-person programs only)
• Metrocards (as needed for in-person programs or field trips)
• Laptops to use during class or the option to borrow a laptop if you are taking a remote course online
• Access to professional game design software
• College advising and scholarship support

Our courses run throughout the year: Spring Break Lab takes place over three days in April, Summer Game Academy meets daily for 6 weeks in July and August, and our school-year programs meet once or twice a week from October-June. For exact dates, go to Courses.

In-person classes meet in our learning lab near Union Square in Manhattan, and virtual classes meet on Discord.

In every course, you will make your own game prototype showcasing your skills in digital art, music, narrative and programming. With each course level you complete, your skills and the complexity of your game will grow!

Learn more about each course here.

Nope! To join our first level course, you do not need previous experience in computer science, just a willingness and interest to learn.   

If you do have previous experience in C# and Unity, let us know, and you may be eligible to level up to another course. 

Our classes are open to NYC high school students, and no prior experience is needed! We strongly encourage applications from students of color, girls, gender-expansive youth, students attending Title-1 public schools, and students who are neurodivergent or have disabilities.

Choose your quest based on your current or upcoming grade:

• Spring Break Lab: Students currently in grades 9–11 should apply.
• 2D Game Development (Summer Intensive): Students entering grades 10–12 in the fall should apply.
• 2D Game Development (School-Year): Students entering grades 9–11 in the fall should apply. Students entering 12th grade should email gameacademy@urbanarts.org to learn more about opportunities.

Ready to start your game design journey? Here’s how to unlock your spot in our programs:

• 2D Game Development (Summer Intensive): Attend a virtual information session, and then submit an application form with your parent or guardian. 
  • Applications open in March.
• 2D Game Development (School-Year): Attend a virtual information session, and then submit an application form with your parent or guardian. 
  • Applications open in August.

We accept applications on a rolling basis until courses are full. 

To receive updates when a new application period begins, sign up for our mailing list.

College access refers to the support and resources that help students prepare for and succeed in applying to college. Urban Arts’ College Access Program is designed to guide high school juniors and seniors through the college application process and graduate college debt-free. And it’s FREE!

The program offers workshops, one-on-one support, and resources like a curated scholarship list to help students prepare academically and financially for college.

Key offerings include:

• Summer Intensive: Combines college access and game design to help you prepare your college application portfolio and game design portfolio to stand out to admission counselors. 
• Virtual Workshops & One-on-One Support: Guidance on applications, essays, financial aid, and more.
• Scholarship List & Mentoring: Access to scholarships and personalized support from industry pros.

As a high school junior or senior, you’ll be invited to participate in these opportunities to help you apply to college with confidence and minimal debt.

Urban Arts offers several opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into their careers—all of which are already embedded in the program. By participating in game design, you’ll automatically have access to:

• Field Trips: Visits to local companies and universities give students firsthand experience of workplace environments and campus life.
• Mentoring: Our Mentoring Program pairs students with professionals who can offer career advice, feedback, and guidance.
• Workshops: Special sessions with industry experts allow students to learn directly from those working in the tech industry.

These opportunities provide a unique way for students to build connections, gain real-world knowledge, and explore career pathways.