Jubileague Journal -

The Summer of Growth and Discovery

The PlayMaker game design camp began with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. As the campers arrived, many were unsure about what to expect and hesitant about diving into a new experience. Their initial reluctance was evident, with some expressing doubts about whether game design would capture their interest.

The first few days of the camp were a period of adjustment. Campers participated in introductory activities and workshops, where they began to explore the fundamentals of game design. It was during these early sessions that the campers’ skepticism started to shift. As they engaged with interactive projects and started to see their ideas take shape, their initial doubts began to wane.

A significant turning point came with our ‘Ask the Expert’ sessions. Local game designers and illustrators shared their personal experiences and insights, offering a glimpse into the world of game creation. These sessions were pivotal in transforming the campers’ perspectives. Hearing from professionals helped bridge the gap between their initial apprehensions and their growing enthusiasm for the field.

The playtesting event marked another milestone in the campers’ journey. By this stage, the transformation was clear. What began as reluctance had evolved into genuine excitement. Campers proudly showcased their projects, exchanging ideas and celebrating their progress. The sense of achievement and joy was palpable as they reflected on their work and shared it with others.

Mentorship played a crucial role in this process. Our mentors provided guidance and encouragement, helping campers navigate challenges and build confidence. This support was instrumental in shifting their mindset from uncertainty to a sense of capability and pride in their work.

By the end of the camp, the change was striking. The campers who had initially been hesitant were now fully immersed in their creative projects. They had not only acquired new skills but had also discovered a deep-seated passion for game design. The camp had successfully turned their initial reluctance into a rewarding and enriching experience.

Looking back, PlayMaker has proven to be more than just an educational program. It was a journey of growth, where campers transitioned from skepticism to enthusiasm, exploring their creative potential and gaining a newfound appreciation for game design. This summer’s camp was a testament to the power of hands-on learning and mentorship in helping young people overcome doubts and embrace their passions.

As we plan for future camps, we’re excited to continue fostering this transformation, guiding young creators through their own journey from initial hesitation to lasting achievement.

Playmaker Game Night Tournament Structure

Overview

Event: Playmaker Game Night Tournament
Format: Multi-round, station-based mini-tournament
Participants: ~4 players per station
Games: Board games and arcade-style video games designed by campers during the camp
Objective: Players rotated through game stations, scoring points in each game to compete for top scores.

Structure

Game Stations:
- A set up of 3 game stations, each featured a unique game designed by campers:
  - Station 1: “Monster’s Unchained,” an active board game requiring movement
  - Station 2: “Down Goes The King,” a medieval board game
  - Station 3: “Save Your Girlfriend,” a classic rom-com high school-themed board game
- Each station had a referee (camper-designer and camp mentor) to explain rules, track scores, and monitor gameplay.
Round System:
- The tournament had 2 rounds of approximately 25-30 minutes each.
- Players were assigned to groups (~4 players per group) at the beginning of the tournament.
- Each group rotated between stations after every round, ensuring that all players experience every game and have the opportunity to accumulate points.
Scoring System:
- Players earned points based on requirements of each game and their performance at each game station:
- Scores are tallied after each round per game and added to the individual cumulative total.

Awards and Recognition

Top Scorer: Awarded to the player with the highest cumulative score at each stations.
Participation Certificates: Every camper received a certificate celebrating their unique contributions and participation.

Sign-Up and Participation

Sign-Up: Campers and guests signed up for the tournament ahead of time.
Game Info Sheets: Each station has a quick info sheet for players to read, with key rules, objective, and possible ways to earn points for easy, quick engagement.

At our latest Playmaker Game Design Camp event, the Playmaker Game Night brought together young game designers and their friends. It was an exciting night filled with creativity, competition, and community! Held at Do Greater Charlotte, the event aimed to inspire and celebrate our campers’ talents. Here’s what happened and what makes Playmaker special!

Building Games from the Ground Up

At Playmaker Game Design Camp, we focus on one mission: empowering young people to create, collaborate, and innovate in game design. This game night allowed campers to test their skills, show off their projects, and enjoy some friendly competition. With over 30 attendees, the room was filled with excitement. Players moved from station to station, each one showcasing a unique board or digital game they had created during camp.

Highlights of the Evening

Throughout the night, campers presented a wide range of games—from imaginative board games to fast-paced arcade-style video games. Their creativity shined as they turned their ideas into fun, playable formats. For example, Monster’s Unchained became a crowd favorite, encouraging players to do jumping jacks, sit-ups, or even shout to score points. This inventive gameplay had everyone moving and laughing.

Tournament and Friendly Competition

To stay true to Jubileague’s goal of mixing fun with skill-building, we held a mini-tournament for the games campers designed. Each game had its own format, complete with rounds, points, and a scoreboard. This setup gave the night an exciting competitive edge. Campers acted as both game designers and referees, proudly guiding others through their creations.

Join Us for More Events!

This is just the start! We have more tournaments, design showcases, and events planned as our talented campers keep creating. Whether you’re a gamer, designer, or just curious, check out Jubileague for more fun events, workshops, and game nights. We’re here to support the next generation of game designers.

Sign up below to join us at our next event!

Reflections From The First Playmaker Game Design Camp