Programs & learning paths

We offer three program tracks, designed to build on each other from beginner to advanced:

• Explore (ages 13+): Entry-level workshops and modules. Try Explore: Threadbare (1-hour workshops), Explore: Godot (10-hour module), or Explore: Git (4-hour module).
• Core: Threadbare (ages 15+): An 18-session team-based program where learners build and ship a full StoryQuest using Godot and GitHub.
• More: Threadbare (ages 15+): Self-guided deep-dive quests, masterclasses, or contributions to the live Threadbare backlog. For learners who have completed Core or already have Godot skills.

The journey is intentional: Explore introduces you to game making, Core develops your foundational skills, and More lets you specialize.

Explore is your starting point. Short, flexible sessions designed to show you what game making is like, no experience required.

Core is a structured team experience. Over 18 sessions, you collaborate with teammates to design and ship a complete StoryQuest, practicing professional workflows like version control and peer review.

More is for specialization. Once you have the fundamentals, you can take expert-level masterclasses, dive deep into specific domains (like character art or systems programming), or contribute directly to the open-source Threadbare backlog.

Time commitment varies by program:

• Explore: Threadbare: 1-hour workshops, take one or several
• Explore: Godot: ~10-15 hours (10 sessions plus independent time)
• Explore: Git: ~4 hours of technical training
• Core: Threadbare: ~24 hours (18 sessions plus ~6 hours of independent time)
• More: Threadbare: Self-paced. Masterclasses are 1 hour; domain deep-dives are ~10 hours each

Completing certain programs can earn you an ASU-issued microcredential. See how microcredentials work for details.

Go to studio.endlessstudios.com, sign up or log in, and enter the Access Code for the program you want to join. Your facilitator, school, or partner organization will provide you with the right code.

If you're not sure which program is right for you, see the programs overview above.

An Access Code is a short code that unlocks a specific program on the Endless Studios platform. Codes are tied to specific programs (Explore, Core, etc.) and are distributed by your facilitator, school, or partner organization. Codes can vary by partner, so always check with your facilitator if you're not sure which one to use.

Having trouble with your code? See troubleshooting.

Yes, and the programs are designed to build on each other. Most learners follow the journey from Explore → Core → More, but you can also take programs concurrently when it makes sense.

A few things to keep in mind:

• If you're new to version control, complete Explore: Git before starting Core: Threadbare.
• More: Threadbare assumes you already have Godot skills or have completed a StoryQuest in Threadbare.
• You'll need a separate Access Code for each program.

See the programs overview for the recommended progression.

[Answer to be added - time commitment, deliverables, participation expectations.]

[Answer to be added - how to catch up, who to contact, whether learners can extend.]

[Answer to be added - whether progress is saved, how to re-enter, etc.]

A Lore Jam is a time-bound game development challenge where teams design, build, and submit an original LoreQuest, a playable narrative experience that expands the canon of Threadbare. Jams are themed and timed, and the goal is finishing something playable rather than polished.

Lore Jams emphasize contributions from all domains, art, narrative, code, audio, design, over deep specialism in any one. They're a great way to practice working under constraints, collaborating across roles, and shipping a complete creative project.

Completing a Lore Jam can earn you the Applied Game Making: Concept to Canon microcredential. See how microcredentials work for details.

[Answer to be added - how teams are formed (assigned vs self-organized), what roles look like, how teammates coordinate.]