Project Description
AI Game Lab
Ever wondered how the enemies in video games know where to find you? Or how NPCs (non-player characters) seem to have a mind of their own? That’s AI at work – and in this bootcamp, you’ll learn to use it yourself.
AI Game Lab is a hands-on, beginner-friendly course where middle schoolers explore the connection between game design and artificial intelligence. You’ll learn how AI makes games smarter, design your own characters and game worlds, and use free tools to build an interactive, AI-powered game – no coding required.
From brainstorming on Day 1 to presenting your finished game on Demo Day, the whole bootcamp is project driven. You’ll leave with a real game you made yourself and the skills to keep building.
Day 1 — Welcome to AI & Games Meet the bootcamp crew! Discover what AI is, how it powers the games you already play, and set up your workspace. No experience needed — just curiosity.
Day 2 — Game Design Basics Learn what makes a game fun — rules, goals, challenges, and rewards. Sketch your first game idea and use AI tools to brainstorm characters and worlds.
Day 3 — Meet Your AI Tools Explore the free, beginner-friendly tools you’ll use all week to create game characters, write dialogue, and design game logic — zero coding needed.
Day 4 — AI Characters & Dialogue Design your own AI-powered game characters with personalities and backstories. Write dialogue using prompt engineering — basically, learning how to “talk” to AI.
Day 5 — Game Logic & Decision Trees See how AI makes choices inside games using if-then rules and decision trees. Build your own simple game logic so your game responds to players.
Day 6 — Visuals, Sound & Storytelling Use free AI tools to generate art, sound effects, and story text for your game world. Make it look and feel like a real game!
Day 7 — Build Day 1: Prototype Bring everything together and start building your own original game prototype. Work with peers, get feedback, and have fun experimenting.
Day 8 — Playtesting & Improving Play each other’s games, collect feedback, and improve your own. Great games are always tested and tweaked — you’ll do exactly that.
Day 9 — Polish, Responsible AI & Final Build Put the finishing touches on your game. Discuss real talk about AI: fairness, representation, and what to think about before sharing your game with the world.
Day 10 — Demo Day Showcase your original AI-powered game to peers, mentors, and guests. Celebrate what you built from scratch in just 10 days!
By the End of the Bootcamp, You Will Be Able To
- Explain what AI is and how it’s used inside modern video games
- Design original game characters, dialogue, and logic using AI tools
- Use prompt engineering to get useful, creative output from AI
- Build and playtest an interactive AI-powered game prototype
- Talk about responsible AI: fairness, representation, and sharing your work
- Present a finished, portfolio-ready game project on Demo Day
What to Bring / Prepare Before Day 1
- A laptop with Windows, macOS, or Linux – Chromebook works too! Bring your charger.
- A personal email address for creating free tool accounts. Students under 13 need a parent or guardian to approve account creation.
- A sense of curiosity and creativity – no prior coding experience needed!
Summer Camp Instructors
She also serves as an assistant coach for the award-winning Speech and Debate Team, where she helps students develop strong public speaking and presentation skills. Through personalized coaching, structured practice, and constructive feedback. She supports students in building confidence, organizing persuasive arguments, and delivering effective presentations.
I am passionate about helping students connect theory with real-world applications, especially in areas like programming, artificial intelligence, and software development. I enjoy guiding learners of all levels to build practical projects, think critically, and develop confidence in using technology creatively.
Upon graduation from Texas Southern University in 2000, he began working as a News Editor with KRIV Fox 26. In 2004, he began his teaching career as an Adjunct Instructor with Texas Southern University. That appointment led to him teaching in the discipline of Speech Communication with San Jacinto College, Houston City College, the Lone Star College system, the Art Institute of Houston, and now, with the prestigious North American University.
Currently, Mr. Keller is still working on reporting the morning news, along with teaching as a full-time professor with North American University. He is also the head coach of the North American University Speech and Debate Team.
In addition, he was ordained in early 2025 as a Deacon with Dominion Church International, where he proudly serves the people of God as a humble servant leader.
Mr. Keller enjoys spending quality time with his lovely wife, Latanya Keller, travelling, kayaking, bicycling, and volunteering on mission trips during the summer with his son Wynton.
Unlike traditional programs, Dr. Zhamanov’s courses go beyond theory — students build, experiment, and create. From designing their own AI agents using cutting-edge tools like OpenClaw, to developing games powered by AI, to exploring how real networks are protected from cyber threats, every session is immersive and practical.
His teaching style is energetic, modern, and results-driven, focused on helping students think like engineers, solve real problems, and gain confidence with technologies shaping the future.
At the summer bootcamp, students don’t just learn about technology — they build it, control it, and understand it.
