DigiPen Academy

This past summer, 64 DigiPen students stepped outside the classroom and into paid internships at game and tech studios through Interns at Indies, our newest career-focused initiative.

While DigiPen students often intern at companies like Microsoft, Nintendo, and Blizzard Entertainment, opportunities at major studios can be limited. Interns at Indies is helping expand those pathways and provide hands-on industry experience.

“We even had one intern where the company said they ‘can’t live without this person,’ and they’re looking to turn that internship into an ongoing gig. This is what it’s all about!” says Associate Professor Ellen Beeman.

🌐 See how Interns at Indies set a new benchmark for summer internships: https://www.digipen.edu/showcase/news/interns-at-indies-recap

🗓️ Discover the DigiPen Difference on September 9 at 4 p.m. PDT! Explore unique degree programs and chat live with admissions. RSVP for a seat now: https://www.digipen.edu/calendar/26-9-9-the-digipen-difference

🎮 PAX West 2026 is almost here! Stop by DigiPen at booth #417 to play student games, meet faculty, students, alumni, and industry professionals, and enter exciting raffles. You could even walk away with a Nintendo Switch Lite! Learn more: https://www.digipen.edu/calendar/26-9-4-pax-west-2026

🚀 The next generation of game developers is here. The 2026 DigiPen Student Game Showcase (DigiPen Institute of Technology) features an incredible lineup of original student-created games, showcasing innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and creative design from talented development teams around the world.

Whether you're a gamer, developer, student, or just curious about what's next in game development, it's well worth a watch.

🎥 Check it out: https://www.digipen.edu/showcase/news/watch-2026-student-game-showcase

Comment, which game would you play first? 👇

🏴‍☠️ Summon the Beast: A student-developed game created through the WANIC Skill Center Programs at DigiPen Academy in 2026.

In this charming 2D top-down tower defense game, you play as a group of cunning cultists working to summon an ancient eldritch deity. But beware, wannabe heroes are determined to stop the ritual! Defend your summoning circle, strategically place and merge towers, and sacrifice everything necessary to ensure the beast rises.

This student-created project showcases the work of a talented team of WANIC student developers: Maya, Rilan, Kat, Diana, Holden, and Joshua.

🎮 Play the game on itch.io: https://digipen-academy-wanic.itch.io/2026-summon-the-beast

🏴‍☠️ Grog & Gold: A student-developed game created through the WANIC Skill Center Programs at DigiPen Academy in 2026.

Inspired by the theme “Everything Has a Cost,” Grog & Gold puts you at the helm of a pirate ship battling sea monsters and collecting treasure to expand your arsenal. But as your riches grow, so do the consequences of your choices, for better or for worse.

This student-created project showcases the work of a talented team of WANIC student developers: Andrew, Erik, Donovan, EJ, and Rafael.

🎮 Play the game on itch.io: https://digipen-academy-wanic.itch.io/grog-and-gold

🚀 Final call for future game creators!

DigiPen Academy’s Pre College Summer Programs are almost here. Students can explore Game Design, Game Programming, Art & Animation, or Music and Sound Design in a four week online experience.

Learn from expert instructors, build real projects, and get a taste of college level creative tech learning.

For students ready to turn curiosity into skill, this is the moment.

🌐 Register today: https://academy.digipen.edu/academic-programs/pre-college-programs/

🎮 Registration is open, but the deadline is approaching!

DigiPen Academy’s Pre-College Summer Programs give students ages 16+ the chance to explore college-level coursework in game development, art, design, programming, and sound.

This four-week online program gives students the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors, collaborate with peers, and contribute to a game project from start to finish.

📅 Program dates: July 6–31, 2026
💻 Format: Online

🌐 Register today:
https://academy.digipen.edu/academic-programs/pre-college-programs

WANIC Skill Center Program applications are being accepted for the 2026–27 school year through July 15. High school Juniors and Seniors can gain college-level experience at DigiPen Academy in Art & Animation, Game Design, Game Programming, or Music & Sound Design.

Develop real-world skills, strengthen your college applications, and explore future career paths, all with tuition funded by the State.

➡️ Apply now for 2026-27 full-year programs: https://academy.digipen.edu/academic-programs/wanic-programs/