Sunday, 4 October 20266J Horace Li
For one week during the summer holiday, four friends from our school travelled to the HKU Zhangjiang Base in Zhangjiang Science City, Shanghai, to participate in The AI GameMaker’s Journey organised by the University of Hong Kong. The course lasted six days and included nine lessons and workshops, culminating in a final pitch where each team presented their original game concept to mentors and peers. The programme immersed us in the world of artificial intelligence and game design. We were introduced to new tools, concepts, and creative approaches that challenged us to think differently about how games can be built.
The Development Process
One unique aspect of the programme was that my three school friends and I were placed into four different groups. This meant we had to collaborate with new teammates, each bringing different skills and perspectives. At first, it was challenging to adjust, but it quickly became an opportunity to learn how to communicate and coordinate with people outside our usual circle.
Over the six days, our group worked through lessons on storytelling, world-building, and hands-on workshops in robotics and VR. Guided by instructors such as Dr Kal Ng, Professor Jun Liu, Professor Shinan Liu, and Dr Leith Chan, we refined our ideas into a game concept that blended creativity with AI-driven mechanics.
By the final day, we pitched our prototype to mentors and peers. To our surprise and delight, my group received the Best Presentation Award, which recognised not only the quality of our game idea but also the clarity and impact of our pitch. This achievement made the experience even more memorable, proving that stepping outside our comfort zone could lead to success.
What I Have Learned
The most valuable lesson from The AI GameMaker’s Journey was not just about technical skills, but about networking and collaboration. Being separated into different groups meant that each of us had to work with new teammates, share ideas, and adapt to different working styles. This experience taught me that success in game design often comes from the people you connect with as much as the tools you use.
At the same time, the programme reinforced the importance of adaptability and perseverance. We faced challenges ranging from time pressure to creative disagreements, but each obstacle became an opportunity to learn. Working with unfamiliar peers pushed me to communicate more clearly and to stay open to new perspectives.
Finally, winning the Best Presentation Award with my group showed me that confidence and teamwork can turn uncertainty into achievement. More than anything, I learned that building genuine relationships with mentors, peers, and teammates is what transforms a study tour into a lasting journey of growth.