WANIC Video Game Programming

Program Description:

The DigiPen Video Game Programming track gives students an introduction to the art and science behind video game development. Through seven modules of instruction, students learn key art, math, and computer science concepts that are applied to a game project after each module. While developing their games, students also write a short essay defending the methods and reasons used to complete their project, as well as address industry issues like labor practices, intellectual property rights, publishing contracts and controversial game content.

The Pacific Northwest is a true hub of game development, with hundreds of big-name game companies as well as indie game studios contributing to the ongoing growth of the over $80 billion game industry in the U.S. The demand for skilled developers has never been higher.  For students who want to pursue a rewarding career as a game developer, this signature program provides the solid foundation that has already launched hundreds of high school students on their journey into this industry and beyond.

In this full-year, 3-period Skill Center class (3 high school credits) students will:

  • Understand concepts central to programming including Boolean logic, using correct mathematical expressions, abstraction, and choosing how to represent data
  • Write both collaborative and individual programs in C and other programming languages for both problems solving and creative expression
  • Write algorithms to solve problems, read algorithms made by other people, and judge whether certain algorithms are better than others for a specific problem
  • Use programming concepts more specifically related to games such as game loops, component-based engine architecture, and game- play programming
  • Practice the Video Game production process including pitches, design documents, scheduling, milestones, testing, time management, and working on interdisciplinary teams

Two Year Program Available.

Prerequisites:

This program is primarily for students entering their Junior or Senior year of high school in the fall, but younger students are accepted with permission.

  • Algebra 2

Credits:

High School Credits:

  • Year 1 – CTE (2.0), AP Comp Sci Principles (1.0)

  • Year 2 – CTE (2.0), Math Analysis (1.0)

College Credits: DigiPen Credits TBD

Instructors:

Our WANIC instructors are outstanding, highly trained and passionate about their respective fields. Instructors impart their years of knowledge and experience to teach and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Learn more about our program with these inspiring videos from past students:
WANIC Student Showcase Video:

See what past students have created in our WANIC classes. 

Category:

WANIC

Timeframe:

School Year

Format:

Onsite

Program Dates:

September to June

Registration:

Apply on the WANIC website.
Full year applications for 2024-25 close Monday, July 15.

Location:

DigiPen Institute, Redmond Campus

Schedule:

For schedule, visit the WANIC website.

Tuition:

No tuition costs/fees; funded by the State

Mandatory Info Session:

Attendance to a WANIC Program Info Session is required prior to registering on the WANIC website. See dates below.

WANIC Info Sessions:

All Sessions are Online.
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. PST

Zoom links will be emailed out the week of the session.

  • Monday, January 27th
  • Thursday, February 20th
  • Thursday, March 27th
  • Thursday, April 24th
  • Monday, May 19th
  • Thursday, June 12th

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