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HTML5 Game Camps In November & December 2011

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HTML5LogoLike playing games?  Ever thought about learning how to make your own games? Yeah, I’m sure we all have, but who has time for that?! We’re all too busy doing our day jobs coding web and/or business applications.  Probably, your boss might not approve of you spending a day learning how to build video games.  Where’s the value in that?!

First off, if you think learning how to develop video games is of little value, then you’re quite mistaken. Game developers are some of the highest paid in the industry!  Have you seen the list of top apps in any of the mobile phone marketplaces?  (Hint: they’re all GAMES!) 

Here’s an event series coming up that will turn that argument on its head. If you’re doing any type of web development, then learning HTML5 ought to be at the top of your list for keeping your skills current.

Microsoft is offering a series of upcoming HTML5 Game Camp events where you can learn both at the same time!  The New York City stop will be on December 9th, 2011 at Columbia University.

Details from my colleague Chris Bowen here:

Join in the HTML5 Game Camps, free events offering a chance to learn about the next wave of web standards including HTML5, CSS3, Canvas, SVG, and more.  And while you gain practical knowledge about HTML5 and JavaScript techniques, it’s all joined together by the fun of creating games!

Web CampsThese are part of the Microsoft Web Camps series and feature a half day of sessions followed by hands-on game creation time.  Get up to speed with HTML5 and game dev concepts in the sessions, then turn your ideas into reality as we leave the slides behind.  Design and develop creations of your own, with plenty of guidance and help for your questions.

The Schedule

Here’s where the HTML5 Game Camps are heading, with links to details and registration:

  • Atlanta, GA – November 10 – Georgia Tech – Registration
  • Cambridge, MA – November 17 – Microsoft NERD – Registration
  • New York, NY – December 9 – Columbia University – Registration
  • University Park, PA – December 14 – Penn State – Registration

(Note some of these events are morning through afternoon, and others are afternoon to evening.)

Don’t forget to read the prep steps at the bottom of the event pages.  To get ready for coding, considerinstalling WebMatrix (it’s free) and other tools via the Web Platform Installer.  Also, consider attending with a friend and tackling the game creation as a team!

Bonus Points for Rochester, NY

For those of you in the Rochester, NY area, there’s a special RIT Game Camp the weekend of December 2nd-4th.  It’s all about game development, and features multiple ways to learn about and create games:

  • RIT Game JamHTML5 Camp (Saturday, 12/3)
  • Game Jam (all weekend)
  • XNA in a Day (Saturday)
  • Windows Phone Camp (Saturday)

It’s free, hosted on the campus of RIT, and open to everyone.  So, choose what you’d like to participate in, and enjoy!