Level 2: Explore

To begin: My background is in writing (MFA in writing for kids) and programming (self-taught programmer working in the industry for about 6 years).I started my official journey with IGA in a Level 1 course where we built a Galaga clone, and it was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. It was absolutely a firehose of information, but it sparked a joy in me that I haven't been able to find elsewhere, and pushed me to apply for Level 2.Honestly, taking this course has been one of the best decisions I've ever made -- such a good investment in myself and a ton of fun.This course was incredible. It was a perfect mix of self-teaching and instructional guidance that was really invaluable when trying to not only do the work, but understand what it is doing. I never felt like I was floundering, and even still there were additional pre-recorded versions of the lectures to help with anything after the fact. Those helped immensely on the class night that I wasn't able to make.We covered a little bit of everything, from programming to animation. Then we also had verticals (mine was narrative), which was an additional video and homework outside of the class days -- the additional work from the verticals led to me officially completing and uploading my first game ever (Galaga was a fail on my part :') ) using a revised version of my graduate thesis (a middle grade novel). I have revamped it a number of times, but this class is the first time it actually came alive for me.I have never felt so proud of something that I've made before and have never been so thrilled to show it off during the showcase.The course itself was 10 classes, 2 a week for 5 weeks. The time frame was just right for getting through the material, and we were then given an extra two weeks to prepare for the showcase and polish up our game for demo. The classes themselves were straightforward, getting both hands-on and lecture learning for all sorts of topics, especially programming in Unity. Personally the programming side of things was the most valuable thing for me, and I feel like I learned so much more than I would have on my own (I fear I likely would have given up before getting anywhere with it without this course).All in all, the course, the verticals and homework, and the showcase were all absolutely incredible. I learned so much, and even after an intensive five weeks, I almost signed up for the next Level 2 course to make a Diablo clone (I absolutely will be keeping my eyes open for a repeat in the coming years when I have more flexibility).

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!

This class was concise, respectful of my time, and incredibly useful to me, even as someone who's used Unity for a while. There were a tone of great tips and tricks included in the creation process of a solid prototype of an easily modifiable game.

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.

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! 

 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!