Indie Game Academy
Average Rating4.97
30 Reviews
3 Courses
Indie Game Academy is a video game development program offering a part-time, 12-week Game Design bootcamp. The Game Design bootcamp covers topics like C#, digital prototyping, market testing, Agile, Sprint, community building, content marketing, and publishing. Students will get to design and publish their own video game over the course of the bootcamp. Indie Game Academy also offers shorter courses for students interested in learning the basics of game development and design.
Beginners and students with no experience are welcome to apply to Indie Game Academy.
Indie Game Academy focuses on empowering people to pave their own paths, fostering a kind and supportive community where everyone feels comfortable and can thrive, particularly those who are underrepresented or neurodivergent. To achieve this, students are sorted into multidisciplinary teams where they create a mock indie studio and publish an original game. Students will spend 3 months building an original game through a project-based approach, practicing their own areas of expertise and learning about the other involved areas with Game Industry experts teaching their own verticals.
30 Indie Game Academy Reviews
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- Marcel MoraGame Artist • Graduate • Level 1: Embark • OnlineVerified by LinkedInFeb 19, 2025Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Inspiring, nostalgic, engaging, supportive, unforgettable.
I recently completed IGA Level 1, and I have to say, it was an amazing experience! From the first day, I felt completely immersed, and by the time it ended, I genuinely didn’t want it to. It made me feel like a kid again, rediscovering the excitement of creating and learning alongside passionate people.One of the highlights was definitely the community. I met some great people, and I truly hope these friendships last beyond the course. There’s...I recently completed IGA Level 1, and I have to say, it was an amazing experience! From the first day, I felt completely immersed, and by the time it ended, I genuinely didn’t want it to. It made me feel like a kid again, rediscovering the excitement of creating and learning alongside passionate people.One of the highlights was definitely the community. I met some great people, and I truly hope these friendships last beyond the course. There’s a real sense of camaraderie among students, and that makes the whole experience even more rewarding.As for the teachers, they are magnificent, knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping students succeed. They know how to keep things engaging while making sure everyone is on the same page, which is crucial in a beginner-friendly setting.Working in Unity was a great way to put everything into practice. However, when it came to artistic development, I felt that the course could have delved a little deeper into best practices, do’s and don’ts, or overall guidelines for a stronger artistic foundation. That said, I can see how this was likely a deliberate choice to avoid overwhelming beginners.Overall, IGA Level 1 is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to get into game development. The structure is solid, the atmosphere is inspiring, and the people you meet along the way make it all the more worthwhile. If you’re considering it, go for it you won’t regret it! - Miranda BuechlerFreelance UX/UI, Visual Designer and Indie Game Dev • Graduate • Level 2: Explore • OnlineVerified by LinkedInNov 03, 2024Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob AssistanceN/A
IGA Level 2 Review
We covered a wide range of topics during the lesson, yet it was all paced in a way that felt achievable. Gaining at least light exposure to most disciplines of building a game is very valuable. The instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful and patient. The TA was also very knowledgeable and eager to help debug. Other instructors provide content and homework for individual verticals, such as Visual Design, Audio Design, Project Managment, etc. The homework was so engaging that I...We covered a wide range of topics during the lesson, yet it was all paced in a way that felt achievable. Gaining at least light exposure to most disciplines of building a game is very valuable. The instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful and patient. The TA was also very knowledgeable and eager to help debug. Other instructors provide content and homework for individual verticals, such as Visual Design, Audio Design, Project Managment, etc. The homework was so engaging that I wish I'd had the bandwidth to do every vertical!
I took the Level 1 class before this, where I released my first indie title. Highly recommend doing that one first if you are new to games. With this second level course, we each built our own versions of the same game alongside the teacher, and I will be using this project as a base for my second indie title.
If you are someone who struggles with self-imposed scheduling and deadlines, I highly recommend both Level 1 and Level 2. Also the networking is amazing! - Salem HoagFreelance Artist • Graduate • Level 1: Embark • OnlineVerified by LinkedInSep 08, 2024Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Perfect for Aspiring Game Devs!
I've participated in two Level 1 classes over the course of 2024 and it's genuinely such a delight to be a part of the classroom. The energy is enthusiastic and joyful, the team meeting place (Gather) is an absolute BLAST, and I've learned so, so much more about the game design/development industry. The knowledge about the comings and goings of the industry is up-to-date, and there's a plethora of knowledge to gain about various disciplines like visual art, narrative design, programming,...I've participated in two Level 1 classes over the course of 2024 and it's genuinely such a delight to be a part of the classroom. The energy is enthusiastic and joyful, the team meeting place (Gather) is an absolute BLAST, and I've learned so, so much more about the game design/development industry. The knowledge about the comings and goings of the industry is up-to-date, and there's a plethora of knowledge to gain about various disciplines like visual art, narrative design, programming, game design, etc. There's even a section dedicated to resumes, portfolios, and networking! The instructors are people you can rely on for quality advice and connect with outside of the course as well. I already have a degree in animation (concentrated in game design) from a 4-year college and one course with IGA was basically the equivalent of that, which is mind-boggling. This course is excellent for those just starting in game dev, those looking to make a career change, and even those with lots of experience who need a refresher. I'm very proud to be a part of such a tight-knit and helpful community throughout my journey, and to have the opportunity to make a difference in others' lives with a helping hand. My only nitpicking critique is that the course is fast. It's essentially a speedrun of the aspects of game development. Later courses like Level 2 and Level 3 allow for more time and care on larger projects, but I also believe the swiftness of Level 1 helps students with releasing a game in spite of perfectionism. The discord server is at your disposal for communicating with staff and students alike, for recieving/giving help, and holding each other accountable with your projects (and participating in the many, many game dev-related events they host). I can vouch that joining Level 1 was the best thing I did for myself in regards to networking and strengthening my skills! - Pedro SanchesSoftware Developer • Graduate • Level 1: Embark • OnlineVerified by LinkedInSep 08, 2024Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
IGA entry Level is awesome
I found Indie Game Academy by chance on LinkedIn and I'm really glad it happened. I embarked on the first Level Bootcamp and it's a very detailed entry on how to approach the videogame industry and specially how to manage the skills to do it. I can't recommend this course enough. I want to do the other levels pretty soon. - WendyGraduate • Level 1: Embark • OnlineVerified by LinkedInSep 01, 2024Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob AssistanceN/A
Empowering Intro into Game Development
I recently participated in the Indie Game Academy Level One bootcamp, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. The instructors were not only knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about game development. They were always ready to help, whether it was diving into complex topics or guiding us through the nuances of game design. Even though I’ve spent years playing games, I was a complete beginner when it came to Unity, the software we used throughout the bootcamp. The...I recently participated in the Indie Game Academy Level One bootcamp, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. The instructors were not only knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about game development. They were always ready to help, whether it was diving into complex topics or guiding us through the nuances of game design. Even though I’ve spent years playing games, I was a complete beginner when it came to Unity, the software we used throughout the bootcamp. The instructors made the learning curve manageable, and I came away feeling confident in my new skills.
The format of the bootcamp was another highlight. Spread over two days during a single weekend, it was intense but entirely worth it. The Gather space where we met added a layer of immersion and fun, making the entire experience feel more like a collaborative adventure than a traditional class. Willem, the host, brought great energy and humor to the sessions, which kept things lively and engaging.
One of the best new additions to the bootcamp was the chance to contribute to a Collection, which is now available on Itch.io. It’s incredibly cool to have a game we made during the bootcamp online for everyone to see. This not only gave us great exposure but also allowed us to apply what we were learning in a practical, creative way and see how our work fit into the broader game development process.
Overall, the bootcamp was an excellent introduction to game development, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to break into the industry, especially if you’re coming in with more experience as a player than as a developer. The mix of hands-on learning, expert instruction, and the supportive community made it a standout experience. - Darian ArenasGraduate • Level 1: Embark • OnlineVerified by LinkedInSep 01, 2024Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Cohort 17 - Platformer
The boot camp was two days full of fun and excitement as we learned the basics for making a 2D platformer in Unity! Not only that, we also got to engage with not just the instructors but also our fellow peers as we learned together about the various faces of the Game Development Industry such as: Game Design, Narrative Design, Production/Management, Resumes, Portfolios, and Networking.
I came out at the end of the course with a playable level for 2D platformer, an expanded networ...The boot camp was two days full of fun and excitement as we learned the basics for making a 2D platformer in Unity! Not only that, we also got to engage with not just the instructors but also our fellow peers as we learned together about the various faces of the Game Development Industry such as: Game Design, Narrative Design, Production/Management, Resumes, Portfolios, and Networking.
I came out at the end of the course with a playable level for 2D platformer, an expanded network of fellow devs of various levels, richer in knowledge, and far more motivated to pursue the art of game dev!
I look forward to trying out more Level 1 courses from IGA and then hopefully also later moving up to Levels 2 and 3! 
João Lucas SallesStudent • Student • Level 1: Embark • OnlineVerified by LinkedInAug 26, 2024Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob AssistanceN/AAbsolutely Wonderful!
It was very informative, it tought me plenty about the game industry, on top of getting the ball rolling for me to learn some game development as well. The course was worth every penny! I hope i get the schollarship to do the other courses lol, the staff are fun people.- Dylan RiversSound Designer • Graduate • Level 1: Embark • OnlineVerified by LinkedInAug 26, 2024Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Empowering to Get Started
This course was extremely helpful in giving me the tools and motivation to start designing games. In only 8 hours, I went from knowing almost nothing about game development to feeling like I could start an indie studio today and having a vertical slice to add to a portfolio. Lecturers were all subject matter experts, and Kristi, Dylan, and Christina made especially strong impressions. Highly recommend for anyone who feels "I don't know where to start." - Muhammad MustafaIndie Game Developer • Graduate • Level 1: Embark • OnlineVerified by LinkedInJun 11, 2024Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
IGA Level 1 was a great experience
In my opinion, anyone who is looking to get into game industry but they are overwhelmed by all the aspects of it and just the layout of the engine. I would recommend this course to them. In this course, they build up your confidence, they try to make the engine less scary through workshop, they share so much learning resources and career paths. Also the environment of the class room was so constructive and friendly I had a great time there. If you want to start making games and don't kno...In my opinion, anyone who is looking to get into game industry but they are overwhelmed by all the aspects of it and just the layout of the engine. I would recommend this course to them. In this course, they build up your confidence, they try to make the engine less scary through workshop, they share so much learning resources and career paths. Also the environment of the class room was so constructive and friendly I had a great time there. If you want to start making games and don't know how, consider doing this course, and in no time you'll be making your own simple games. - Gianna BrooksGraduate • Level 1: Embark • OnlineVerified by LinkedInMar 03, 2024Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
IGA Level 1 - Cohort 13
This class was so amazing! So helpful! And so much fun! I'm working towards being a game writer, so Gadot was not on my radar as something I should learn, but I'm so glad I did! I now have a basic understanding of how to make a 3D game so my portfolio doesn't have to be filled with text-based games. The instructors were so knowledgeable and I'm really happy I got to ask questions and learn all that I can from them. The other students really made the class, too. They were all so welcoming...This class was so amazing! So helpful! And so much fun! I'm working towards being a game writer, so Gadot was not on my radar as something I should learn, but I'm so glad I did! I now have a basic understanding of how to make a 3D game so my portfolio doesn't have to be filled with text-based games. The instructors were so knowledgeable and I'm really happy I got to ask questions and learn all that I can from them. The other students really made the class, too. They were all so welcoming and knowledgeable in different fields so it was really cool to work with them in a way that highlighted all our different skills. If you can I highly recommend you take this class if you're looking to learn more about game development and the gaming industry. - Aaron ChaconGraduate • Level 2: Explore • OnlineVerified by LinkedInSep 27, 2023Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Better than my 5 years in college
So I took IGA Lvl 2 this past month, and as I said in the review title, to me, this was way better than the five years of game development courses I took at college. And they helped us release a game equivalent to my capstone class at college. - Nicholas GurleyGraduate • Level 2: Explore • OnlineVerified by LinkedInSep 27, 2023Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob AssistanceN/A
IGA Level 2 was incredible and I highly recommend it!
I took this class after IGA Level 1. IGA Level 2 was worth every penny. Besides making a game, I learned so much about each of the game industry verticals. In terms of game programming, I learned industry best practices: everything from source control with Git, software architecture planning, project management, audio, and asset management. I learned how to use common programming patterns in game design, developing game state managers, and more. In the end, I am really proud of the ...I took this class after IGA Level 1. IGA Level 2 was worth every penny. Besides making a game, I learned so much about each of the game industry verticals. In terms of game programming, I learned industry best practices: everything from source control with Git, software architecture planning, project management, audio, and asset management. I learned how to use common programming patterns in game design, developing game state managers, and more. In the end, I am really proud of the game I developed and will be featuring it on my portfolio.
If you want a supportive environment where you can design games with other creative, motivated individuals, and where you'll learn real world skills, join IGA and take Level 2!
Indie Game Academy Alumni Outcomes
Recent Indie Game Academy News
Nat Davis
Updated October 28, 2024
When you play a video game, you’re interacting with thousands of hours of work from game designers, engineers, QA testers, and more. Whether you’re interested in the development, design or marketing side of video games, there’s a tech career perfect for your unique skill set. Learn about 6 tech jobs that are perfect for gamers (and many of these don’t require a college degree!), industries an...
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Indie Game Academy Alumni Reviews Summary
Overall Experience
5.0
Instructors
5.0
Curriculum
4.7
Job Assistance
4.3
More Information
Guarantees Job
Job Assistance
Includes Housing
Offers Corporate Training
Accepts GI Bill
Awards
Recent Indie Game Academy News
By Nat Davis
FAQs
How much does Indie Game Academy cost?
Indie Game Academy costs around $5,400. On the lower end, some Indie Game Academy courses like Level 1: Embark cost $50.
What courses does Indie Game Academy teach?
Indie Game Academy offers courses like Level 1: Embark, Level 2: Explore, Level 3: Publish.
Where does Indie Game Academy have campuses?
Indie Game Academy teaches students Online in a remote classroom.
Is Indie Game Academy worth it?
Indie Game Academy hasn't shared alumni outcomes yet, but one way to determine if a bootcamp is worth it is by reading alumni reviews. 30 Indie Game Academy alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Indie Game Academy on Course Report - you should start there!
Is Indie Game Academy legit?
We let alumni answer that question. 30 Indie Game Academy alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Indie Game Academy and rate their overall experience a 4.97 out of 5.
Does Indie Game Academy offer scholarships or accept the GI Bill?
Right now, it doesn't look like Indie Game Academy offers scholarships or accepts the GI Bill. We're always adding to the list of schools that do offer Exclusive Course Report Scholarships and a list of the bootcamps that accept the GI Bill.
Can I read Indie Game Academy reviews?
You can read 30 reviews of Indie Game Academy on Course Report! Indie Game Academy alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed Indie Game Academy and rate their overall experience a 4.97 out of 5.
Is Indie Game Academy accredited?
While bootcamps must be approved to operate, accreditation is relatively rare. Indie Game Academy doesn't yet share information about their accreditation status.