Who We Are
Game Design Academy
Where kids become game designers — not just game players.
Our Mission
Game Design Academy is an after-school and workshop program that teaches elementary school students how games are imagined, designed, and brought to life.
We believe every child has a story worth telling, a character worth creating, and a world worth building. At GDA, students learn the creative process behind game design — from early ideas and sketches to characters, animation, stories, levels, and playable game experiences.
Our students do not just play games. They design them.
They create heroes, villains, worlds, challenges, and adventures. They learn how games use art, storytelling, strategy, rules, teamwork, and imagination to become something people can play and enjoy.
By the end of the program, students help build a real finished game that can be shared with friends and family.
Where We Teach
Game Design Academy runs programs at our dedicated studio in Carlstadt, New Jersey, and also brings after-school enrichment programs directly into elementary schools across the area.
We partner with schools and PTAs to make game design accessible to students on school premises — making it easier for families and exciting for students.
📍 Our Studio
Carlstadt, New Jersey
🏫 School Programs
We currently run after-school programs at select elementary schools, with more schools added each semester.
GDA Not at Your School Yet?
We are actively expanding into more elementary schools, and parent voices make a big difference.
If Game Design Academy is not currently offered at your child's school, you can contact your PTA, principal, or enrichment coordinator and ask them to consider GDA as an after-school enrichment option. Many of our school partnerships begin with parent interest.
You can also reach out to us directly. We would be happy to speak with your school or PTA about bringing Game Design Academy to your community.
Visit GameDesignAcademy.com →What Students Create
Digital Art
Students explore digital tools to create original artwork for their games, including characters, environments, items, and visual details.
Character Creation
Students design heroes, villains, enemies, side characters, and creatures while thinking about personality, powers, story, and visual style.
Animation
Students learn how movement brings a game to life by creating simple animations for characters, actions, and game moments.
Storytelling
Every great game has a world and a reason to play. Students create the story, setting, conflict, and adventure behind their game.
Level Design
Students design maps, obstacles, challenges, rewards, and environments that make their games fun and engaging.
Teamwork
Games are built through collaboration. Students learn to share ideas, give feedback, solve problems, and make creative decisions as a team.
Ready to explore what GDA students have built?
🎮 Play Student Games