Teaching Game Development Since 2021
We started LuckyMapleWave because too many talented people were getting stuck trying to learn mobile game development on their own. After watching friends struggle with scattered tutorials and outdated information, we knew there had to be a better way to teach this craft.
How We Built Our Educational Mission
Started Small, Focused Local
Three game developers in Calgary began hosting weekend workshops after seeing too many people quit their development dreams halfway through. We focused on hands-on learning with real project builds instead of theory-heavy lectures that never clicked.
Developed Our Core Curriculum
After working with 47 students, we noticed patterns in where people got stuck. This led us to create our project-first approach where students build playable games from week one, learning technical skills as they need them rather than in abstract isolation.
Expanded Beyond Alberta
Students started referring friends from other provinces, so we developed remote learning methods that preserve the collaborative workshop feel. We also partnered with three indie studios to provide realistic portfolio feedback sessions.
Refined Our Teaching Methods
We've learned that motivation comes from seeing your own ideas come to life. Our students work on games they actually want to play, which keeps them engaged through the challenging technical learning phases that often derail self-taught developers.
What We've Achieved Through Teaching
Kieran Pemberton
Kieran spent six years building mobile games for indie studios before realizing he enjoyed explaining complex systems more than implementing them. He handles our curriculum design and teaches most of our advanced programming workshops. His background in both technical development and user experience design helps students understand why certain approaches work better than others.
How We Teach Game Development
Project-Based Learning
Instead of isolated coding exercises, you'll work on complete games from day one. This approach helps you understand how different systems connect and gives you finished projects for your portfolio.
Small Cohort Structure
We keep groups to 12 students maximum so everyone gets individual feedback on their code and game design decisions. This also creates natural peer learning opportunities that many students find more helpful than traditional lectures.
Industry Portfolio Review
Every student presents their final project to working developers from partner studios. These sessions provide realistic feedback about what employers actually look for and help students understand current industry standards.
Technical Skills in Context
We teach programming concepts when you need them for your current project rather than front-loading theory. This contextual approach helps students retain technical knowledge and understand when to apply different solutions.