Want to make your own games? Microsoft Store just announced Xbox Academy, a free, online introductory course

Microsoft Store has launched Xbox Academy, a free, online digital workshop aimed at inspiring the next generation of videogame creators.

The Xbox Academy will offer participants an insight into the fundamentals of designing and developing games.

The academy will be run in partnership with East London Arts and Music (ELAM), Games London and Playground Games, which won a BAFTA for Forza Horizon 4 last year.

Curtis Le Blanc, Director of Games at East London Arts and Music, said: “It’s a real pleasure to work with the talented people of Playground Games and Microsoft Store in delivering these sessions.

“Many of the students at ELAM have started their education in games development and other areas based on the inspiration from industry leaders just like the game creators at Playground, so we know how valuable sessions like this are.”

Participants will be given an introduction in how to navigate the Unity interface, develop basic 3D level design and how to start building a basic games within Unity.

Gavin Raeburn, Studio Director of Playground Games, said: “I’m thrilled that Playground Games is part of Xbox Academy and that our team members Maria Lee and Ryan Greene can share their experience and knowledge.

“As a team, we are passionate about fostering new talent in the industry, such as with our 12-month placement scheme for university students from relevant courses. This event is another great way that we can pass on some of the expertise within the studio to inspire the next generation of game creators.”

The Xbox Academy workshop will be hosted online, with participants able to register to secure a place in one of four sessions, joining via their own PC to take part. Ahead of each session, participants will be provided with a pre-workshop package, which will include a short overview of everything you need ahead of the workshop, such as downloading the latest version of Unity and 3D Game Kit.

Xbox Academy is one of many virtual workshops and training being offered by Microsoft Store associates – to inspire, serve and help upskill customers, small businesses and communities through learning and technology.

Spaces are limited, so head to https://microsoftevent.eventbuilder.com/XboxAcademy to register for one of four sessions being run on September 12 and 13.