Top 25 Among the Best
Princeton Review ranked our GDD program #21 in the nation.
Pre-College Summer Programs
Game Design and eSports Lab
Pre-College Summer Programs
Game Design and eSports Lab
This 2-week summer program introduces high school students to academic game design and eSports as potential career paths. Participants will spend the mornings learning the process of brainstorming, designing, developing and testing games before shifting their attention in the afternoons and focusing on how to participate in and manage eSports teams and competitions.
By The Numbers
Overview
There is no denying it anymore: online gaming is here to stay. In just a few decades, online gaming has exploded to become a multi-billion-dollar industry and one of the most profitable industries on the planet. If you have an interest in online gaming, there are a variety of different careers that will allow you to make your hobby a part of your job
In this summer program presented by Quinnipiac's Game Design & Development Program, high school students will have the opportunity to learn about game design and eSports management. The program will be split into two parts: the mornings are dedicated to exploring the game design process through hands-on activities and projects and the afternoons are spent learning about the eSports industry, its potential successes and challenges and the management of teams and competitions. There is also a special focus put on discussing how to make online games and the online gaming industry inclusive to all.
At the end of this program, you’ll walk away with:
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An understanding of the online gaming industry and potential career paths to inspire your personal, academic and professional aspirations within game design and eSports
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Hands-on experience with the game design process from brainstorming to design to development to testing
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Knowledge of how to manage eSports teams and competitions successfully and inclusively
Program Dates and Schedule
July 7, 2025 - July 18, 2025
Sample Daily Schedule: This is only a sample schedule and is subject to change due to a variety of factors.
| Time | Activity | Detail |
|---|---|---|
|
9 a.m. |
Workshop Session: Game Design |
Led by QU professors, students dive into the various stages of the game design process through engaging lessons and activities. |
|
11 a.m. |
Game Design Project Block |
Put what you have learned into practice on a hands-on game design project. |
|
Noon |
Lunch |
Eat and socialize with your classmates. |
|
1 p.m. |
Workshop Session: eSports |
Learn more about the rapidly growing industry of eSports and how to manage teams and events. |
|
3 p.m. |
Group Discussion |
“What does making an inclusive game mean?” “How can we ensure eSports is inclusive across gender identities and ability levels?” These are just a few of the questions we will touch on during the program. |
|
4 p.m. |
Review and Debrief Meeting |
A chance to reflect and discuss the day as well as look to the days ahead. |
|
4:30 p.m. |
Day Program Ends |
Dismissal for commuter students. |
|
5 p.m. |
Dinner |
Dinner will be provided for those students with full room and board. |
|
6 p.m. |
Evening Activities (Group Recreation in our new Recreation and Wellness Center, Games, Guest Speakers, Independent and Group Enrichment Projects) |
The evening is reserved for overnight students to have fun, experience our on-campus amenities, and bond with each other and staff through organized enrichment activities and group eSports sessions. |
|
10 p.m. |
Quiet Time |
Weekend Programming and Excursions
In addition to the daily schedule listed above, our two-week programs offer organized trips and excursions during the weekends. Last summer, program attendees spent time in our local community while mini golfing, visiting the Mystic Aquarium and shopping in New Haven.
Field trips and weekend excursions may vary by program and session.
Participation Requirements
Participants must be current high school students. Typically, participants are between the ages of 15 to 18 years of age at the start of the program.
Equipment and Materials
Quinnipiac University will provide all required materials, including laptops, for students within this program. Students are welcome to bring their own laptops or other devices for use outside of instruction periods or with the approval of their instructor.
Program Costs
Option 1: 2-week overnight program from Sunday to Saturday. Includes full room and board as well as evening and weekend activities: $3,360
Option 2: 2-week on-campus commuter program from Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Includes lunch daily: $2,400
Both options offer:
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Two weeks of faculty-designed programs taught on-campus with educational support staff
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Technology and software support
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A Quinnipiac T-shirt
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A digital badge for use on social media, resumes or portfolios
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Access to special Quinnipiac Admissions events
How to Register for Summer Programs
We've recently launched a new application and registration system for summer programs, camps and courses. Each new student must create an account in order to access this system. If you already have an account and are a returning student, please sign in using your credentials from the main page. If you plan to attend multiple programs, please use the same account, although courses will need to be purchased individually.
Take the Next Step
Students must declare if they plan to attend for either the residential (overnight) experience or the commuter experience at the time of registration. We are currently offering a $100 discount for early bird registrants who register and pay in full before January 15, 2025.
Register and Pay: Early Bird Residential
Register and Pay: Early Bird Commuter
Minimum Required Deposits
If you are not paying in full at the time of registration, you must submit a non-refundable $250 deposit to reserve your spot for 30 days. Any student who places the non-refundable deposit must pay the full remaining cost of the program within 30 days from the date of deposit to be enrolled in the program.
Payment Methods and Refund/Cancellation Policy
Discounts and Financial Aid
Partial financial support may be available for those who indicate the need for financial assistance in their online application. Financial support awards are based on a combination of financial need and academic merit.
We are pleased to offer a 15% discount on all summer camps and experiences to current Quinnipiac employees, Quinnipiac alumni and employees of our corporate partners. Please contact summerprograms@qu.edu to request your discount code.
Our Program Instructors
Contact Us
Jacque Simpson Gilson
Program Director, Pre-College & Seasonal Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions among prospective students and families regarding our summer programs. If you can't find an answer to your question, please contact us and we'd be happy to chat.
Accommodations
Quinnipiac University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as an institution of higher education. Students who have a current IEP or 504 plan are encouraged to share any accommodations or modifications they may require in order to access the fundamentals of a QU summer program or camp they plan to attend.
Students requesting disability-based accommodations should indicate this within the application as well as email summerprograms@qu.edu about any and all specific accommodation needs.
Rules & Regulations
Read Quinnipiac University’s Summer Camp and Pre-College Program Policies