Maker Studio Kids — Video Game Design

I enrolled my 12-year-old son in the Maker Studio Kids Video Game Design program in San Francisco, and he had a solid experience overall. The instructors, particularly a gentleman named Ben, were very engaged and encouraged the kids to explore their creativity while learning the technical aspects of game development. My son designed a simple platformer game, which he was proud to show me at pickup. The small group size allowed for more personalized attention, which I appreciated. However, I did notice that the program seemed to have a lot of screen time, which I’m not always comfortable with, especially over several weeks. It would be nice if there were more hands-on projects unrelated to screens. Still, if your child is creative and enjoys video games, I'd recommend giving it a try—just be ready for some screen-heavy sessions.

I enrolled my 12-year-old son in the Maker Studio Kids Video Game Design program in San Francisco, and overall, it was a solid experience. The small group size really allowed the instructor, Jamie, to connect with each child. Jamie guided the kids through the process of creating their own simple video games, which my son loved. He came home excited to show me the character he designed and the level he built. However, I did notice that the program leans heavily on screen time, which is something I worry about. Additionally, the pickup process can get a bit chaotic, with many parents arriving at once. That said, if your child is creative and enjoys technology, I think they will benefit from the hands-on learning and supportive environment. I would recommend it with the caveat of watching out for the screen usage.