Hands-on classes let kids explore video game design

With all of the violence and the dismissal of reality, what could video games possibly teach our youths? A lot apparently, says northwest resident Jeremy Bruner, 36, founder of TechBrainiacs, a company that aims to promote learning in the fields of computer science and electronics.

Bruner teaches an introduction to video game design class that allows children to create and publish their own video games.

"The kids in my class create the type of games I used to beg my parents to buy me for Nintendo," Bruner said. "This class is especially important because there are going to be so many more jobs created in the (science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields), especially in regards to computer programing. Even if kids don't want to grow up to be a programmer, this class teaches them critical thinking skills and how to express themselves creatively in a completely new way."

A class of approximately 16 students ages 7 to 15 met with Bruner on Feb. 3 at the Centennial Hills Library, 6711 N. Buffalo Drive. Each hour-long session teaches children the essential elements of video game design using the online Gamestar Mechanic platform.

Students come to the class equipped with laptops that can connect to the library's Wi-Fi; Bruner also has a limited number of laptops available for those who need one.

Bruner explains that students start by editing an already designed game and fixing levels. After they overcome that initial challenge, students are able to create their own video game.

"At first, I thought this class was going to be hard, but it's not that hard. You just have to try again and again to get it right," said student Martina Bernhardt, 11. "There's a lot of stuff you can do on it, and it's really fun to see how video games start at first. You also get to see other games people create."

As students dabble in the art of video game design, they sometimes give shouts of frustration followed quickly by laughter or proud giggles.

Most video games consist of simple techniques, such as the top-down perspective maze game; Bruner said it's like the old Legend of Zelda game. There's also the side-scrolling platform game, similar to Super Mario Bros.

By the end of the five-session classes, students are able to identify and define the five elements of game design, create balanced games that are fun and challenging, and playtest and effectively give feedback on one another's games, Bruner said.

"It's interesting that you can see how a game is made," said Sean Lai, 12. "I'm a gamer. I like that the class teaches you how to make a video game, and Jeremy is patient and goes step-by-step."

Students are encouraged to playtest their classmates' games and provide feedback. Bruner also urges them to experiment and balance components in the game.

"For the most part, kids are fearless," Bruner said. "They learn how to balance game design elements and create a challenge without making the design too messy."

Bruner is a former elementary school teacher who started TechBrainiacs, 9523 Milkweed Canyon Ave., in fall 2014.

"I've always been a computer geek or video game nerd — whatever you want to call it," Bruner said. "I love teaching children how to do something new and seeing them get it right. My company, TechBrainiacs, has allowed me to do something I love."

After the session is finished, students are able to log into their Gamestar Mechanic account to continue learning about video game design.

"These are the types of games their parents played when they were kids, and my students learn how to create them in a matter of hours," Bruner said. "Kids learn how to create and publish their own games within a couple of weeks. At the end of the class, I want students to be proud of their game."

The next session is planned from noon to 1:15 p.m. for five Saturdays starting Feb. 20 at the Las Vegas Professional Institute of Technology, 2625 S. Rainbow Blvd. The cost is $149 for five sessions, with discounts available for siblings, referrals, military families and educators.

Additional sessions are planned from 2:45 to 4 p.m. for five Sundays starting March 6 at the Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle, for $149 or $135 for those who register before Feb. 21; from 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays starting April 2 at the Centennial Hills Library, 6711 N. Buffalo Drive, for $149 or $135 for those who register before March 20; and from 2:45 to 4 p.m. starting April 17 at the Centennial Hills Library for $149 or $135 for those who register before April 3.

TechBrainiacs also offers an introduction to computer science unplugged session for 7- to 12-year-olds. There are eight sessions ($25 each or $175 for all). The create with code session is for 9- to 15-year-olds and also has eight sessions ($185 for all).

After-school programs and camps are also available. Bruner said he has plans to expand his company to Reno and other Southwestern states in the future.

Visit techbrainiacs.com or call 702-233-5845.

— To reach North View reporter Sandy Lopez, email slopez@viewnews.com or call 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy