Indie Game Academy

I joined the Indie Game Academy's Discord server before ever taking one of their classes, and I have since been through every level currently offered. My favorite level, and the one that helped me the most, was Level 3: Publish. It begins with a daunting challenge: publish a game or game prototype in only three months with a group of people you probably don't know very well (external circumstances notwithstanding). Out of these three months, our team spent around seven weeks were spent actively working on our final game.

I found the class environment to be amicable, but challenging and competitive. Everyone was excellent at performing their jobs in their teams, and it pushed me to accomplish more than I had previously. I was very proud that my team won the cohort's pitch night and subsequently published our game to mobile. In such a short period of time, we managed to make a project we loved and we created invaluable friendships. The value of this program extends past the stated goal of releasing a game. This program fundamentally shapes your ability to work under somewhat stressful conditions and in a collaborative manner. That said, there is always supportive and friendly community members to be found whenever you might need it.

Due to the time limitations and scope of the class, it is important to keep realistic expectations. Every game that gets made is a miracle, and you are incredibly lucky if the game you make 1) feels high quality enough for your portfolio and 2) feels like a piece that would help you get the job you want. These things cannot be guaranteed given the structure and time constraints of the course, but even if your game does not meet those points, you will certainly be more prepared to make the projects you need for your portfolio. Furthermore, I have found the IGA community to be full of people willing to offer career related support, including tips for job seekers, job opportunities, and career mentorship on occasion.

I would recommend IGA courses to anyone wishing to learn how to make games and anyone looking for other talented people to make games with.

IGA is one of the best groups I've seen for growing your skills as a game dev. Where as most courses and bootcamps have a certain curriculum they follow and leave you at that, IGA is the most personal, self aware, and is one of the only groups I've seen that consistently is trying to improve itself to help it's members get jobs in the industry. It is one of the best places to network, learn and grow your confidence as a new game dev, and have a like minded community cheering you on. While the courses may not be perfect, I don't regret a dollar I spent with them or any second I spent in one of their courses or in a community event. Even if you don't want to pay for a course still join the community as they host many free classes and events that are great to attend. Also the podcast they host is always a fun time to chime in and ask some questions. Couldn't recommend joining IGA to anyone interested in becoming a game dev anymore.

I have taken two free short classes through the Indie Game Academy and last weekend I took their level 1 bootcamp. Their instructors are legitimate industry professionals who are kind, knowledgeable, and supportive. The classes are well-structured, provide students with everything needed to learn and participate and the "Headmaster" is such a positive person/influence. They foster a fun and supportive environment where everyone feels welcome regardless of their current knowledge level. Highly recommended.

This course is more than just creating a simple game. It's a window into the game industry with experts explaining various fields like level design, narrative crafting, and UI design. Learning Unity at my own pace, I crafted a 2D Tower Defense game, facilitated by the convenience of recorded sessions. The exclusive game scripts created by Dylan were a plus. The class environment was fun, and the friendly Discord community felt like a supportive place. I totally recommend this course to anyone, no matter your age, gender, or nationality. You'll definitely feel welcome!

I had so much fun and learned a lot in this bootcamp. I went into this knowing absolutely nothing about game dev, but thanks to Willem and all of the amazing instructors, I feel like I have an understanding of the terminology, the basics of unity, and got to create my first 2D game in one weekend! 10/10 recommend! 

This was an amazing entry experience to the video game industry! We learned from professionals currently in the field and even gave us some inside secrets. I learned a ton & cannot wait for Level 2!

 From the moment I stepped into the virtual realm of Indie Game Academy, I knew I was in for a treat! Having attended two Level 0 workshops, I was already getting those 8-bit tingles of excitement. But oh boy, the Level 1 weekend workshop? It was like leveling up in real life! 🚀


Crafting a tower defense game from scratch might sound daunting to some, but with the fantastic and approachable guidance of Dylan, it felt like a breeze. Not only are they a treasure trove of knowledge, but they also have this magical ability to make complex game mechanics sound as simple as a game of Pong. Their passion is infectious, and their expertise? Unparalleled!


But wait, there's more! The IGA's Discord community is like the cherry on top of this pixelated sundae. It's a buzzing hive of creativity, where ideas bounce around like they're in a pinball machine. Collaborating with fellow indie game enthusiasts, sharing a laugh, and diving deep into game design discussions? It's all in a day's work here.


In a nutshell, Indie Game Academy isn't just about fun and games (though there's plenty of that!). It's an interactive, informative, and downright inspiring journey into the world of indie game development. Kudos to the professors and the vibrant community for making this experience a critical hit! 🌈🕹️


Here's to many more levels of learning and gaming! 🍻 

 From the moment I stepped into Indie Game Academy's (IGA) Level 2 Program, it became evident that this was no ordinary coding class. Over an intensive month, spanning eight meticulously crafted classes, I embarked on a transformative journey that reshaped my perception of game development.At the heart of this enriching experience is the IGA community. A melting pot of passionate game enthusiasts, thinkers, and creators, the community is a testament to what collective zeal can achieve. The atmosphere here is electrifying; every student brings their own unique flair and viewpoint to the table, making collaborations not only fruitful but also truly enjoyable.


Rick, our guide on this incredible journey, was the beacon we needed. With an uncanny knack for breaking down complex concepts into digestible chunks, he navigated the vast sea of game code with unmatched expertise. Rick's hands-on approach, combined with his extensive industry knowledge, ensured that we weren’t just scratching the surface. We delved deep into the intricacies of every vertical in game development, providing a holistic view that is hard to come by.What was even more astounding was our project – creating a full-fledged clone of "Clash Royale" in just a month! This challenge, though daunting at first, became an exhilarating endeavor. Rick's structured guidance, coupled with the collaboration of our brilliant peers, fueled our creativity. Every class saw innovative ideas, groundbreaking solutions, and unexpected yet delightful game mechanics.


Last but certainly not least, a heartfelt shoutout to Willem, the 'head wizard' at IGA. His vision for this academy isn’t just about imparting skills or knowledge. It's about crafting an ecosystem where budding game developers can thrive, grow, and shine. Willem's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering an inclusive, dynamic community is genuinely inspiring.


In conclusion, my time at IGA's Level 2 Program has been nothing short of phenomenal. It has instilled in me not only an advanced skill set but also a renewed sense of purpose. I leave with immense gratitude for the experiences, the friendships forged, and the wisdom gained. The future of game development is exciting, and with institutions like IGA leading the way, it's in exceptionally good hands. Here's to the magic that lies ahead! 

One of the most important factors to choosing Indie Game Academy Level 3: Publish was the ability to actually release a game. An important part of working in the Game Industry is having titles released and available on storefronts. Being able to work with a team and make two games was a great experience and getting them live on platforms makes this program so valuable. You get to learn from industry professionals on how to also take on the different parts of being an Indie Game Developer like marketing and getting your business up and running. IGA also runs a Discord with tons of events that help build up the community. I easily recommend checking out IGA if you are interested in getting into Game Development.