Cyborg Interactive Launches Game Development Academy With First Coding Bootcamp

Cyborg Interactive Launches Game Development Academy With First Coding Bootcamp
Cyborg Interactive's Foundations Bootcamp Bridges Gaming Passion with Valuable Skills Development
Utica, NY – Cyborg Interactive, a Rome-based indie game development studio, today announced the launch of its Game Development Academy, beginning with the Foundations Bootcamp designed specifically for high school students. The inaugural three-day intensive program will take place July 18-20, 2025, at MVCC's thINCubator in Utica. Additional cohorts: July 25-27, and Aug 1-3.
The bootcamp addresses a growing need in the Mohawk Valley region, where game development talent exists but has lacked centralized educational opportunities and community building, prior to college. Building on the success of the CNY Game Devs Meetup series launched earlier this year, Cyborg Interactive is now extending its community-building mission to the next generation of creators.
"We're seeing incredible enthusiasm from young people who love games but don't know where to start learning how they're made," said Adrian Maggio, founder of Cyborg Interactive. "This academy transforms that passion into practical skills in programming, creative problem-solving, and project management – all while creating something they can actually play."
Program Highlights
The Foundations Bootcamp is tailored to high school students ages 14-18, and welcomes complete beginners, with no coding experience required. Over three days, students will:

• Learn programming fundamentals through hands-on game creation
• Explore game design principles and creative problem-solving
• Build and complete their first playable game
• Understand STEAM integration (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)
• Develop collaborative and project management skills

Schedule for first cohort:

• July 18: (Introduction, Setup and Basics)
• July 19: (Development Day 1)
• July 20: (Development Day 2 and Showcase)

Dates for additional cohorts:

• July 25-27, 2025
• Aug 1-3, 2025

Addressing Regional Educational Gaps
The program strategically positions the Mohawk Valley between two established game development hubs: Rochester's thriving scene including RIT's MAGIC Spell and other studios, and the Capital Region's Tech Valley with over 26 studios including major names like Blizzard and Velan Studios.
"Game development uniquely combines technical skills with creative expression, making it an ideal entry point for students exploring STEAM careers," said Maggio. "We're hoping students who might not be drawn to traditional programming courses will become excited about coding when they can immediately see their creations come to life in a game."
Beyond Gaming: Real-World Skills Development
While students create games, they're simultaneously developing transferable skills essential for the modern workforce:

• Programming fundamentals applicable across technology sectors
• Creative problem-solving valuable in any field requiring innovation
• Project management through completing a functional product from concept to finish
• Collaboration in team-based development environments
• Design thinking applicable to user experience across industries

The program maintains small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and a supportive learning environment where students can take creative risks and learn from both successes and challenges.
Looking Forward
We also offer 1-on-1 coaching sessions via Zoom for individuals needing personalized guidance. These are meant to be a way for sharing experience in software development and engineering to those who want it.
Beyond bootcamps and coaching, we plan to eventually offer a range of coding, engineering, and game development classes in a more traditional educational framework, centered on the student customizing their learning journey.
 
About Cyborg Interactive
Founded by Adrian Maggio and based in Rome, NY, Cyborg Interactive is an indie game development studio dedicated to creating captivating and immersive experiences that inspire creativity and positivity. The studio emphasizes community building within the regional game development ecosystem and focuses on games that celebrate creativity, intuitive design, and the joy of discovery.
 
About MVCC's thINCubator
Located in Utica, NY, MVCC’s thINCubator is the Mohawk Valley’s hub for Entrepreneurship. They provide new and existing entrepreneurs the guidance and programs they need to turn their ideas into businesses. It’s the home of the Refinery accelerator program, the Small Business Development Center, and a network of mentors and experts to help you succeed. PRESS KIT MATERIALS
Key Statistics

• Target Audience: High school students (ages 14-18)
• Program Duration: 3 days (14 total hours)
• Class Size: Small cohorts for personalized attention
• Location: MVCC's thINCubator, Utica, NY
• Equipment: Bring a Windows or MacOS laptop.
• Prerequisites: None - designed for complete beginners
• Cost: Original price: $395 First cohort discounted price: $345

Key Messages
For Parents: "This isn't playing games – it's making them - developing valuable skills in programming, creative thinking, and project management through something students are already passionate about."
For Students: "Transform your gaming passion into practical skills while building something you can actually play and share with friends."
For Educators: "Game development uniquely combines STEAM disciplines in an engaging, project-based learning environment that develops both technical and creative capabilities."
Notable Quotes
Adrian Maggio, Founder, Cyborg Interactive: "The talent is already here in the Mohawk Valley. What we've been missing is hands-on, in-person educational pathways to help young people transform their passion for games into practical skills. The Game Development Academy fills that gap."
 
 
 
Contact Information
Media Contact: Adrian Maggio
Founder, Cyborg Interactive
Email: adrian@cyborginteractive.com
Phone: 315-712-1891
Website: https://www.cyborginteractive.com
 
Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/cyborginteractive
https://www.instagram.com/cyborginteractive/
https://www.youtube.com/@cyborginteractive
https://bsky.app/profile/cyborg-interactive.bsky.social
Hashtags: #GameDevAcademy #CNYGameDev #STEAMEducation #GameDevelopment #CyborgInteractive #YouCanMakeAGame This press release may be published in full or excerpted with proper attribution to Cyborg Interactive.