Indie Game Academy

 From the moment I stepped into the virtual realm of Indie Game Academy, I knew I was in for a treat! Having attended two Level 0 workshops, I was already getting those 8-bit tingles of excitement. But oh boy, the Level 1 weekend workshop? It was like leveling up in real life! 🚀


Crafting a tower defense game from scratch might sound daunting to some, but with the fantastic and approachable guidance of Dylan, it felt like a breeze. Not only are they a treasure trove of knowledge, but they also have this magical ability to make complex game mechanics sound as simple as a game of Pong. Their passion is infectious, and their expertise? Unparalleled!


But wait, there's more! The IGA's Discord community is like the cherry on top of this pixelated sundae. It's a buzzing hive of creativity, where ideas bounce around like they're in a pinball machine. Collaborating with fellow indie game enthusiasts, sharing a laugh, and diving deep into game design discussions? It's all in a day's work here.


In a nutshell, Indie Game Academy isn't just about fun and games (though there's plenty of that!). It's an interactive, informative, and downright inspiring journey into the world of indie game development. Kudos to the professors and the vibrant community for making this experience a critical hit! 🌈🕹️


Here's to many more levels of learning and gaming! 🍻 

 From the moment I stepped into Indie Game Academy's (IGA) Level 2 Program, it became evident that this was no ordinary coding class. Over an intensive month, spanning eight meticulously crafted classes, I embarked on a transformative journey that reshaped my perception of game development.At the heart of this enriching experience is the IGA community. A melting pot of passionate game enthusiasts, thinkers, and creators, the community is a testament to what collective zeal can achieve. The atmosphere here is electrifying; every student brings their own unique flair and viewpoint to the table, making collaborations not only fruitful but also truly enjoyable.


Rick, our guide on this incredible journey, was the beacon we needed. With an uncanny knack for breaking down complex concepts into digestible chunks, he navigated the vast sea of game code with unmatched expertise. Rick's hands-on approach, combined with his extensive industry knowledge, ensured that we weren’t just scratching the surface. We delved deep into the intricacies of every vertical in game development, providing a holistic view that is hard to come by.What was even more astounding was our project – creating a full-fledged clone of "Clash Royale" in just a month! This challenge, though daunting at first, became an exhilarating endeavor. Rick's structured guidance, coupled with the collaboration of our brilliant peers, fueled our creativity. Every class saw innovative ideas, groundbreaking solutions, and unexpected yet delightful game mechanics.


Last but certainly not least, a heartfelt shoutout to Willem, the 'head wizard' at IGA. His vision for this academy isn’t just about imparting skills or knowledge. It's about crafting an ecosystem where budding game developers can thrive, grow, and shine. Willem's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering an inclusive, dynamic community is genuinely inspiring.


In conclusion, my time at IGA's Level 2 Program has been nothing short of phenomenal. It has instilled in me not only an advanced skill set but also a renewed sense of purpose. I leave with immense gratitude for the experiences, the friendships forged, and the wisdom gained. The future of game development is exciting, and with institutions like IGA leading the way, it's in exceptionally good hands. Here's to the magic that lies ahead! 

One of the most important factors to choosing Indie Game Academy Level 3: Publish was the ability to actually release a game. An important part of working in the Game Industry is having titles released and available on storefronts. Being able to work with a team and make two games was a great experience and getting them live on platforms makes this program so valuable. You get to learn from industry professionals on how to also take on the different parts of being an Indie Game Developer like marketing and getting your business up and running. IGA also runs a Discord with tons of events that help build up the community. I easily recommend checking out IGA if you are interested in getting into Game Development.