Empowering Uzbekistan Youth
through Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in Game Development
A 14-week in-person / virtual hybrid program sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent will be offered at the American University of Technology (AUT). It is led by the Serious Game Institute (SGI) of George Mason University and Company E starting in June 2025.
About
An Innovative GAME Dev Course
Welcome to the new GAME Dev Experience!
The program offers training in game development, digital design, AI tools and content creation. You will receive mentorship from industry experts in game design and development.
To participate you need to be a citizen of Uzbekistan aged 16 – 34 with basic computer literacy, proficient in English and be able to attend 90% of lectures twice a week at the American University of Technology in Tashkent to qualify for an official certificate upon program completion.
Global
Brining the world together using game development
Fun
Engaging and immersive
Serious
Games that make difference
Course Details:
GAME Dev Course is a foundational course tailored for beginning-level students, offering a comprehensive introduction to the essential aspects of creating video games. The curriculum emphasizes a balance of creativity and technical skills, covering game design theory, visual art, animation, sound design, and music composition.
Students will engage in drafting detailed game design documents (GDDs), creating 2D assets, developing basic 3D animations, and designing immersive audio using industry-standard tools. With a strong focus on teamwork and project management, the course mirrors a professional game development environment, allowing students to collaborate effectively and produce a polished game prototype.
This hands-on and project-driven approach equips students with the skills to conceptualize and develop engaging video games, fostering both individual creativity and team-oriented problem-solving. By the end of the course, participants will have a solid foundation in game design and development, preparing them for more advanced coursework and projects in the subsequent semester.
Something For Everyone!
This is what you will:
- Learn the fundamentals of game design theory, visual art, animation, sound design, and music composition.
- Draft effective game design documents (GDDs).
- Create 2D game assets, basic 3D animations, and immersive audio.
- Collaborate in a professional environment to produce a polished game prototype.
Course Schedule (Tentative)
Creating a game to respond to a worldly problem!
- Part 1: General Overview of Game Design and Development (Weeks 1–4)
Week 1: Introduction to Game Design and Development
- Overview of game genres and industry trends
- Core principles of game design: mechanics, dynamics, aesthetics (MDA) framework
- Hands-on: Analyze a popular game and break down its core mechanics
Week 2: Game Design Documents (GDDs)
- Importance of planning in game development
- Structure and elements of a GDD
- Hands-on: Draft a GDD for a simple game concept
Week 3: Serious Games and Applications
- Introduction to serious games and their role in education, health, and training
- Case studies of impactful serious games
- Hands-on: Brainstorm ideas for a serious game
Week 4: Teamwork and Project Management in Game Development
- Understanding team roles: designer, artist, programmer, and producer
- Introduction to Agile methodology and task management tools
- Hands-on: Organize teams and set project goals
Part 2: Fundamentals of Game Arts (Weeks 5–8)
Week 5: Basics of 2D Game Art
- Introduction to 2D game assets: sprites, tiles, and backgrounds
- Tools for creating 2D assets (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, or Krita)
- Hands-on: Create basic 2D sprites and tilemaps
Week 6: Animation in 2D Games
- Principles of 2D animation: keyframes, timing, and transitions
- Techniques for animating characters and objects
- Hands-on: Develop a simple animated character sprite
Week 7: Introduction to 3D Game Art
- Basics of 3D modeling for games: shapes, textures, and rendering
- Tools for creating simple 3D assets (e.g., Blender)
- Hands-on: Create and texture a basic 3D object
Week 8: Sound Design and Music Composition for Games
- Fundamentals of sound effects and background music
- Tools for creating audio (e.g., Audacity, GarageBand, FMOD)
- Hands-on: Design and implement audio assets for a game prototype
Part 3: Game Programming and Game Engines (Weeks 9–12)
Week 9: Introduction to Game Engines
- Overview of game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine)
- Setting up a new project in a chosen engine
- Hands-on: Create a basic interactive scene
Week 10: Fundamentals of Game Programming
- Introduction to scripting languages (e.g., C# for Unity, Blueprints for Unreal)
- Implementing basic game mechanics: movement and collisions
- Hands-on: Develop a simple playable prototype
Week 11: Advanced Features in Game Engines
- Adding physics, particle systems, and visual effects to games
- User Interface (UI) design: menus, HUDs, and feedback systems
- Hands-on: Enhance a prototype with advanced engine features
Week 12: Testing and Optimization
- Techniques for playtesting and debugging games
- Optimizing game performance for different platforms
- Hands-on: Refine and finalize the mechanics of a game prototype
Part 4: Hands-On Practice and Project (Studio Time) (Weeks 13–14)
Week 13: Game Development Studio Time
- Focused work on the final project (team or individual)
- Integration of all assets: 2D/3D art, animation, sound, and programming
- Instructor feedback and peer reviews to guide improvements
Week 14: Final Project Showcase
- Present polished game prototypes to the class or broader audience
- Reflect on the development process and key takeaways
- Course wrap-up and feedback
Resources
Resources for Participants
Future-focused Curriculum
A curriculum which places a strong emphasis on skills, knowledge and competencies predicted by the tech market.
Game Dev Mentors
You will get help from experienced game developers to learn about how you can materialize your game idea into a proof-of-concept game.
Future Opportunity
You will be introduced to future opportunities utilizing the skillsets you obtained from this course from building commercial games to developing serious application/software.
Join the Course, Shape the Future
Whether you’re a designer, developer, or storyteller, the Game Dev Course welcomes you to be part of shaping futures through interactive, educational gaming. Let’s create games that make a difference and bring meaningful change to the world!
Ready to Change the Future?
Gather your skills, join a team, and embark on a journey to create games with purpose. Together, let’s build a sustainable future through serious games!