Video Game Design Ages 14–17

Online Video Game Design Classes for Kids Ages 14–17

Starting at $16 per 55–75 minute class. Teens learn game mechanics, level design, coding fundamentals, and creative storytelling in small groups of 4–8 students.

View FAQ

From $16/class

Price

4–8 students

Group Size

55–75 min

Schedule

14–17

Ages

Video Game Design Classes for Kids: Build Real Skills That Matter

At 14-17, you're at the perfect age to turn your passion for games into actual creative ability. Our video game design classes give you hands-on experience with the tools and thinking that real developers use—whether that's designing engaging levels, coding game mechanics, or creating polished artwork. In 55-75 minute sessions with groups of 4-8 students, you'll work on real projects that go beyond just playing. You'll understand *why* games work the way they do, and you'll build something you can show off or add to a portfolio.

This age is when you start thinking about what you actually want to do. Game design teaches you problem-solving, creative thinking, and collaboration—skills that matter far beyond the gaming industry. You're also developing your own voice creatively, and this class gives you space to experiment and take creative risks in a small group where your ideas actually get heard and built upon by instructors who've worked in the industry.

Classes start at just $16 per session, making it accessible to explore whether game design is genuinely your thing. Our instructors know what it's like at your age—balancing school, interests, and figuring out your strengths. They'll push you to improve while keeping it real about the work involved. If you've ever thought about making games, this is where you actually start doing it.

What Ages 14–17 Learn in Video Game Design

Game Mechanics & Core Systems

Students design and prototype game rules, win/lose conditions, and player feedback loops. They learn how mechanics drive engagement and test their ideas through rapid iteration and playtesting.

Narrative Design & World-Building

Teens develop compelling storylines, character arcs, and immersive game worlds that support gameplay. They explore how narrative choices impact player experience and create emotional investment in games.

Visual Design & User Interface

Students learn layout principles, asset creation, color theory, and UI design that guides players intuitively through games. They practice designing menus, HUDs, and visual hierarchies that enhance gameplay clarity.

Coding Fundamentals for Game Development

Teens write actual code to bring games to life using industry-standard engines like Unity or Unreal. They master variables, loops, collision detection, and event systems to implement their design ideas.

Why Ages 14–17 Is a Great Time for Video Game Design

Ages 14–17 represent a critical window for game design education because teenagers at this level possess the abstract reasoning needed to conceptualize complex systems, player psychology, and iterative design processes. Unlike younger learners who focus on basic digital creation, high schoolers can grasp how mechanical, narrative, and visual systems interact to shape player behavior and emotion. They're also developing career awareness, and game design offers a tangible pathway that combines art, storytelling, problem-solving, and technical skills—appealing to diverse interests within this age group.

Teens in this age range are sophisticated consumers of games who can critically analyze what makes titles successful and identify design patterns they want to replicate or subvert in their own work. Their growing independence and project ownership makes them ideal for collaborative game jam-style classes where small teams tackle real design challenges. Additionally, the technical rigor of this curriculum—real coding, asset management, and design documentation—meets the cognitive development of high schoolers ready to move beyond tutorials into authentic creation and debugging.

"My daughter went from watching YouTube all day to actually CREATING animations. Best investment ever."

Sarah M.

Parent of 12-year-old

Video Game Design for Ages 14–17 FAQ

Do I need to know how to code before taking this class?

No prior coding experience is required. Our classes teach game development fundamentals and coding basics from scratch, using beginner-friendly engines with visual scripting options. You'll progressively build coding skills while creating actual games throughout the course.

What game engines do you use?

We primarily use Unity and Unreal Engine, which are industry-standard tools used by professional studios. Both offer free versions for educational use and have extensive resources. The specific engine may vary by class level, with beginners often starting in more accessible environments.

Will I have a finished game by the end of the class?

Yes, students complete playable game prototypes during each session or multi-week course. The scope ranges from simple 2D games to more complex projects depending on class duration and your experience level. All projects are saved and can be shared or published online.

How are small groups structured if students have different skill levels?

Our instructors assess each student's experience during the first class and provide differentiated challenges—beginners focus on core mechanics while advanced students tackle complex features or polish. Peer collaboration is encouraged, so students learn from each other while working toward individual project goals.

Browse Other Ages

Ages 5–7 Ages 8–10 Ages 11–13 Ages 14–17

Related Categories

Maria Santos

Head of Creative Arts

Maria leads our art, animation and design programs with 11 years in creative education. She previously worked as an animator at a major studio and taught digital arts at Pratt Institute. She's passionate about helping kids find their creative voice through art and technology.

Last updated: April 2026

View full profile →