Applying Japanese Game Design Culture and Methodologies
Program Details
If you have questions about this program, email the
program leader listed below.
The arrangements for the travel, housing, meals, excursions and course content of
this program have been made by the leader. Questions about this program can only be
answered by the program leader listed below.
|
| Program Type |
Departmental |
| Program Location |
Kyoto, Osaka, Otsu, Japan
|
| Course # |
SA 10907
|
| Duration |
Summer
|
| Upcoming Program Dates |
| Summer 2027 |
05/20/27 to 06/05/27
|
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice
Program Description
Introducing N:>JAM 27: Forge!
Also known as Applying Japanese Game Design Culture and Methodologies, N:>JAM 27: Forge! (“Nihon Jam”) is your opportunity to experience one of the world’s most vibrant video game cultures—and make a video game while you are there!
Led by ACC Professor Robert Howard and ACC staff member Erica Howard, an alumna of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme, participants will explore Japan’s historic Kansai region, including Kyoto, Osaka, and Otsu. Far more than a sightseeing trip, the course includes attending BitSummit, Japan’s leading independent game-development festival, held in Kyoto from May 21–23. Museums, historic architecture, Japan’s famous multilevel game centers, specialty shops, and more will provide thrilling cultural and creative inspiration.
Finally, the program travels to nearby Otsu, a beautiful lakeside city with distinctive attractions of its own—including the famous Michigan, a paddle-wheel cruise boat named in honor of Shiga Prefecture’s sister-state relationship with Michigan. Away from the bustle of Japan’s largest tourist destinations, students will complete their N:>JAM 27: Forge! games, transforming their experiences into tangible creative artifacts—and unforgettable additions to their professional portfolios.
Academic Credit
Students receive credit by registering for CGT 28500 Cross-Cultural Game Development for 3 credits.
Eligibility
N:>JAM 27: Forge! is designed primarily for Purdue Polytechnic students studying game development, but students from all majors are welcome to apply. Participants should have basic game-development experience, such as familiarity with Unreal Engine or an equivalent game engine, and must bring a laptop capable of running the necessary development software. Advanced technical expertise is not required, but students should be prepared to contribute meaningfully to a collaborative game-development project.
Japanese-language proficiency is not required to participate in N:>JAM 27: Forge! Program co-leader Erica Howard speaks and reads Japanese and will help participants navigate language and cultural differences throughout the experience. However, any prior knowledge of Japanese—or a willingness to learn some basic phrases before departure—will certainly be helpful and enhance the experience.
Interested students are asked to complete an application survey.
Program Cost
Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.
The current estimated cost is $3500, not including airfare.
Application Deadline
TBD
Financial Aid
Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should
NOTE: Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad. Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.
Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.
