Summer School of Game Creation & Development
We warmly welcome you to participate to the Summer School of Game Creation & Development!
Summer School of Game Creation & Development is a two week intensive programme that will be held at Xamk’s Kotka campus 22.6.–3.7.2026.
Summer School of Game Creation & Development
This two-week summer school introduces participants to the fundamentals of game design, development, and innovation. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities, participants explore game history, storytelling, and concept creation while developing their own original game ideas.
During the programme, participants work both individually and in teams to design, refine, and present a game concept. Topics include game design, character creation, data analytics, production processes, and the use of AI tools in game development.
The programme culminates in team-based final presentations, where participants pitch their game concepts and receive feedback from peers and instructors.
The classes will be held by gaming industry professionals:
- Dr. Jan Storgards, Director, CADGI (Cambridge Academy of Digital Games and Innovation)
- James Shepherd, CEO, Cypherdelic ltd, Head of Studio, nDreams
No prior experience in game development is required. The programme is suitable for beginners as well as participants with some background in gaming or creative fields.
Participants should have:
- Interest in games and game creation
- Basic digital skills (using a laptop, presentations, online tools)
- Willingness to work in teams and participate actively
- Creativity and openness to developing new ideas
The whole programme will be in English, so a good understanding of English language is required (preferably B1 level). Use of own laptop is required, bring your own device to campus during the studies.
During your stay in Finland, you will not only have the opportunity to attend classes carried out by internationally known gaming professionals, but you will also have the chance to visit the world’s largest archipelago and its breathtaking coastline, experience the endless days of Finnish summer and make tons of international friends to share unforgettable memories with.
Xamk retains the right to make changes when necessary.
Overview
When: 22th June – 3rd July July 2026
Where: Xamk Kotka Campus, Salakuljettajantie 4,
48100 Kotka
Price: 3 200€ per participant
The price includes: Participation fee, airport pick-up and drop off, accommodation in shared rooms (2-4 people) and lunches during the weekdays are included to the price.
Requirements: Good level of English language (preferable minimum B1 level) and basic computer software skills. Bring your own laptop!
The programme is delivered together with our authorized partner Skilla Venues. For further information about registration and participation, please contact:
Ms Anamika Sharma anamika.sharma@skillavenues.com
STUDENT FEEDBACK
“I feel that my communication skills have improved a lot. I also got an idea of the gaming industry and I am considering getting into the industry.”
Photo credits: Sinan Gollon/HKA
“I feel that this course was an extremely useful usage of my summer which has truly shaped my perspective around the video game industry and possibly even inclined my future involvement in it.”
Photo credits: Sinan Gollon/HKA
“I worked in the game industry before
as a working student, but the Xamk Summer School was a really good practice for me to pitch ideas, because I have not done that and I was so nervous. I will definitly continue working with the knwoledge I gained!”
Photo credits: Sinan Gollon/HKA
About Summer School of Game Creation & Development
Games are one of the most exciting, fast moving, and lucrative creative industries worldwide. In the last 20 years the industry has matured to over $200 billion and diversified. There are several key disciplines people can specialise in. The most successful games are creative powerhouses that have revenue returns that far outstrip comparable products in other mediums. Examples include PUBG, GTA series, Need for Speed, Temple Run, Angry Birds, Clash of Clans to name a few massive success stories.
Xamk Summer School of Gaming will teach you the essentials of video games creation, game concept design and development in a fun and engaging cultural environment. You will learn the basics of what games are and how they are developed, as well as meet people from all over the world interested in video games creation. During the programme you will learn in practice how to develop a basic game concept from an idea to a pitch. You will also learn teamworking by developing a game concept in a team.
At the end of the summer school, all teams will present their game idea with a pitch and the best idea will be rewarded with a prize.
Preliminary Schedule
Instructors
Dr. Jan Storgårds is IVGC Course Leader, entrepreneur, Director of CADGI (Cambridge Academy of Games and Innovation) and CEO of Cambridge Gamechanger ltd.
He has over 25 years of experience working in the industry and academia with high technology companies and technology cluster development, including video games and gamification. He holds Dr.Sc. in information systems science in computer games development from Aalto University, Finland.
Prior to his current roles he was Sector Lead for Digital and Creative Industries at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge and a visiting research fellow at University of Cambridge Judge Business School working with and currently mentoring, start-ups and early-stage technology companies including video game studios.
James Shepherd is the CEO of Cypherdelic Limited. Double Bafta and Develop winning creative executive responsible for delivering multi-million selling products. Head of the nDreams Studio. Responsible for the release of cutting-edge VR products, ‘Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord’, ‘Synapse’, ‘Fracked’ and ‘Far Cry: Dive into Insanity’.
At Microsoft James created the Xbox One and Xbox live games community ‘Upload’, and the app, ‘Upload Studio’, generating a 6.5 million user base, and 10+ million views in the initial 12 month launch window.
At Sony he had 6 years’ experience as director of a multi project development studio, managing dev teams of up to 200 people, delivering triple ‘A’ products internally and externally on all PlayStation platforms, including, ‘Heavenly Sword’, (PS3, 1.6m units, 79% Metacritic) and ‘LittleBigPlanet’, (PSP, 2.5m units, 87% Metacritic).
Welcome to Kotka
Kotka is a lively coastal city located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, about 1.5 hours from Helsinki. The city has around 50,000 inhabitants and a strong maritime atmosphere shaped by the sea and nearby archipelago. Xamk’s Kotka campus is located in the modern Kantasatama (old harbour) area, right by the waterfront and within easy reach of the city center.
Kotka offers a great mix of urban life and nature. The city is known for its award-winning parks, seaside views, and relaxed coastal vibe. You can enjoy walks by the sea, explore nearby islands, or spend time in cozy cafés and cultural spots. With a variety of recreational activities and a welcoming atmosphere, Kotka is an inspiring place to study, create, and connect with others.