Video games are fun. The things we encounter while playing them, and while navigating online communities, are sometimes less so.

What if we went back to our 8th-grade Fortnite days and reclaimed that experience — this time using the free-to-use and easy-to-learn Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN)? What would be the game´s goal then? What might a doomscrolling final boss look like? Can one build an immersive experience to create empathy for some things we fight so hard to make others understand?

Can we transform escapism into reflection, introspection, agency?

Let’s find out. We’ll start with the very basics and get comfortable with the UEFN software on Monday, spend Tuesday and Wednesday tinkering and experimenting, and hopefully wrap things up with a small playtest party on Friday. We´ll have some theoretical input as well, and learn from “serious games” using immersive storytelling for education.

Requirements

A laptop with Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) + Fortnite installed (115 GB (sic!)) – please run a quick test beforehand to make sure everything works somewhat smoothly on your computer. If you run into any problems, write to ed.ellah-grub@avohkahs.

Mouse, headphones, etc.

Time: the course will require working in groups and will have shorter duration due to a holiday. Do not register to this course if you will not able to commit at least 3 days, shorter attenance will not be counted.

Some previous experience with level design or 3D modeling programs can be helpful, but is not required. We’ll meet you wherever you are at - just bring some interest in video games :)

Language: English.

Teilnehmendenzahl: max. 20.