Our Game Development Workshop at the University of Waterloo

hyperPad, an app for making games and apps on iPad, recently hosted several in-person workshops at the University of Waterloo in partnership with Renison University College. The workshops were open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students interested in learning about the game and app design industry.

During the workshop, students used hyperPad to design their first game and asked the presenters questions. Through hands-on exercises and live demos, they learned computer science concepts like programming logic, game mechanics, and user experience design. These concepts carry over to other areas of technology too, such as mobile app development and software engineering.

Mexican ESL high school students enjoyed the hyperPad workshop!

All participants received free hyperPad codes, swag, food, and a certificate of completion to add to their resumes. Students looking for a challenge could also join a Game Jam, with prizes for the winners. In workshop feedback, most students said they were more likely to keep learning about game development after using hyperPad, and every participant found the workshop helpful for learning game design. Some students went on to a hackathon and used hyperPad to build their games in just one week!

Students building games in hyperPad during the Game Jam and workshop

Students left energized and excited about a future in game design and technology. What they learned applies to many fields, and hyperPad wants to help people everywhere become developers and creators. We look forward to supporting more aspiring game designers and app developers.

If you'd like to run a workshop like this at your school or university, the education page has lesson plans, presentations, and an educator kit. You can also contact the hyperPad team to plan one together.