iD Tech Camps Announces New ShootMania®: Storm-based FPS Game Design Course for Summer 2013

CAMPBELL, Calif., April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- What happens when the allure of video gaming is combined with the means to actually build the game you're playing?  Imagine the implications of a game that entertains kids while fostering their ability to think critically.  iD Tech Camps, the leader in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) summer programs for kids and teens, has announced a new course for Summer 2013—ShootMania®: Storm based FPS Game Design. With an innovative combination of non-violent, fast-paced action—and a variety of editors and tools for customizable competition, ShootMania is, quite literally, changing the game.

Ubisoft®, the game's creator, collaborated with iD Tech Camps to implement the new course for kids ages 10-12. However, based on its name and classification as an FPS (First-Person Shooter), one could assume ShootMania is too violent for children. Joshua Milligan, Senior Director, Online Strategy, Ubisoft, states the game is actually an outlier in the FPS world in terms of graphic violence, and certainly appropriate for kids. 

"Kids see ShootMania's level of creative input and fun as a chance to shape their own destiny within the game world," explains Milligan. "Parents see it as an opportunity for their kids to develop important technological know-how that could benefit their future education and careers–without the violence of typical FPS titles."

Specifically, kids create their own adventure by altering ShootMania's levels, objects, and landscapes. Amidst futuristic backdrops, players use map and script editors to construct arenas where they play in quick-fire matches and epic (yet gore-free) laser battles. Character skins and map textures are also customizable–and shareable within the ShootMania community.

Pete Ingram-Cauchi, President and CEO of iD Tech Camps, added, "the game's toned-down violence and superior structure made the game a perfect fit for an FPS course offering. As far as games go, ShootMania strikes a balance between what kids and parents want—it's fun for kids and teens, but it doesn't cross a certain line.  And that's important to a lot of people, including me. It also teaches a set of skills that can be applied as building blocks for a potential future in STEM."

ShootMania's multi-player mode helps kids build interpersonal skills as they share tips and tricks with friends. Players develop media editing skills using the level replay editor, and those proficient in 3D modeling can import their own objects. The versatile interface and customizable features engage new and hardcore gamers alike–it's competition for everyone.

iD Tech Camps will debut its ShootMania-based FPS Game Design course this summer, and plans to feature the game in a tournament for pre-teens 10-12. Working with ShootMania in a camp setting allows kids to meet students with similar interests. Instructors help maximize the game's educational value by exposing students to coding logic and design knowledge that may inspire future career choices.

ABOUT iD TECH CAMPS AND iD TEEN ACADEMIES
iD Tech Camps and iD Teen Academies engage students ages 7-18 in STEM education with summer programs for kids and teens held at over 60 prestigious universities nationwide, including Stanford, Princeton, and others. Sessions are weeklong, day and overnight. Teens can build online portfolios and explore future career paths at iD Gaming Academy, iD Programming Academy, and iD Visual Arts Academy. Visit http://www.internalDrive.com or call 1-888-709-TECH (8324).

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SOURCE iD Tech Camps