Game Design & AI
Building Future Worlds with Generative Tools – Designing games with vibe-coding artificial intelligence—where imagination meets emerging tech.
Step into the future of creativity with a hands-on exploration of how artificial intelligence is transforming game design. In this immersive one-week camp, students will collaborate in design teams to create their own AI-enhanced or AI-themed games… learning how to guide “vibe-coding” tools that turn imagination into interactive experiences. Together, we’ll experiment with low-code 2D & 3D platforms, explore the ethics and artistry of AI, and prototype original digital worlds. The week culminates with a showcase where students present their creations and reflect on what it means to be a designer in an AI-driven world.
This program is ideal for students excited about the intersection of technology, storytelling, and innovation… no prior coding experience required, just bring your curiosity and a love for games.
Registration opens december 2025:
- June 21 – 26, 2026
- Registration Fee: To be determined
- Pre-College Programs are open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
- Price includes lodging, meals, all course materials, activities, and excursions
- A $500 deposit is required at the time of registration, with the remaining balance due by May 1, 2026. After that date, full payment is required at registration. Click here to see our cancellation policy.
- Students reside in campus residence hall and dine in campus dining hall
- Enrollment is open until spaces are filled
- Registration is through the Camp Doc platform. Detailed registration instructions can be found here.
- Learn principles of immersive design: presence, interaction, embodiment, and spatial storytelling.
- Use low-code 3D tools and UNCA’s VR headsets for rapid prototyping.
- Integrate lighting, sound, and environment design.
- Collaborate in design teams to build and present an interactive prototype or narrative world.
- Exploration of VR hardware
- Simple 3D scene building
- Showcase in the Esports Center.
Topics and schedules are subject to change
Sample Schedule:
Morning
- 8 a.m. – Breakfast
- 9 a.m. – Game Development
- 12 p.m. – Lunch & free time
Afternoon
- 1 p.m. – Play test games in Esports Center related to the game development topic of the day
Evening
- 5 p.m. – Dinner
- 6:30 p.m. – Activities / Recreation / Free Time
Options could include: sand volleyball, Asheville Tourists game, game night, movie - 11 p.m. – Lights out
Topics and schedules are subject to change
Meet Your Faculty
Brett McCall
Brett navigates the world in ways that other people might call strange, nonconformist, or even risky. His “chaotic magical awareness” and natural aptitude for wonder and play benefit both individuals and organizations. With extensive experience using play and reflective conversations to create experiences (in and out of VR) that strengthen empathy and connection, Brett brings a unique grasp on the technology, its potential/limitations, and how to effectively implement it in real world scenarios.
Brett is adept at traveling into the rabbit hole of technology or the universe of the mind. Originally a computer scientist, Brett quickly turned toward world traveling, religious philosophy, and achieving World Champ status in Ultimate Frisbee. He lives in Black Mountain with his wife, Diana, and their three children.
Questions? Please contact us at precollege@unca.edu.
