June marks the start of summer vacation but it is also when students have to submit their final projects.
For Youth Fusion’s Video Game Design program presented in partnership with Ubisoft Education, elementary and high school students have to create their own video games. In doing so, they learn about technology, art, and design. They also learn how to use different technological tools and develop important skills such as teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking.
Quebec, Ontario, and France
The Video Game Design program is carried out in collaboration with Ubisoft’s studios in Montreal, Quebec City, Saguenay, Toronto, Bordeaux, and Paris, in that employees serve as trainers, mentors, and even jury members. This year, a total of 300 games were designed and developed by more than 1,500 students. In Quebec alone, 29 employees from the three studios worked with 882 students across the province.
Inspiring conversations
Dwayne Le Blanc, an artist at the Saguenay studio, mentored an elementary class. Le Blanc said he was inspired by the students’ desire to create the best project. “I was impressed by how much creativity went into the games. The students obviously wanted to impress their Ubisoft mentors,” said Le Blanc with a smile.
The conversations we had were rewarding for both the students and for me. All the students were open to feedback and eager to put my advice into practice.”
Games, games, and more games
Once the games are ready, Ubisoft employees take out their controllers, mice, and keyboards to play the games and determine the winners.
A level designer at the Montreal studio, Laurène Burdin was a member of the jury this year. She said she was impressed by the games. “Obviously, not all games were polished since most of the students had never made a video game before.
But you could tell that the students wanted to let us into their worlds, which is really exciting. They have much to be proud of this year.”
All the games created as part of this program can be played here. Enjoy!
You too can make a difference
We would not have been able to do this program without the help of our employees. We would like to thank everyone who took part this year.
For Le Blanc, this was his first Ubisoft Education experience. Here’s what he had to say: “When you work with the youth, you have to be yourself, be positive, authentic, and keep things simple—this is what brings people together and encourages sharing.”
*Banner image: La traversée du sommeil, by the students of École secondaire Pierre-Dupuy, Montreal, recipient of the “Game of the year” award, Francophone category.
