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Expanding Horizons: From In-Person to Online Training with Digital Bros Game Academy

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Based in Milan, Italy, the Digital Bros Game Academy was, and still is, a leading provider of in-person training in the gaming industry. The academy was at capacity and to be able to reach a wider audience they sought to expand their offering by providing high-quality training in the online space.

Challenge

Courses at the academy were offered full-time and in-person over the course of a year, they were presented in Italian language and students specialised in one of the core disciplines of the industry. The focus of the in-person training was to replicate a studio environment and the goal was for each student to be job-ready by the end of the course.​The challenge was to translate the successes of this model to an online delivery and make the training more accessible to a wider range of personas, who for various reasons were unable to commit to the in-person offering. Scalability was a key factor, and ensuring the training had potential to reach a large audience.​ 

Solution

Noodle Swan provided a comprehensive approach to translate the Academy’s successful in-person programs into an online format. Key elements included:

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  • Platform Selection: We opted for a blended learning approach using an off-the-shelf online platform to deliver both self-paced content and live Zoom sessions

  • Curriculum Adaptation: We transitioned all learning experiences to English, recognising it as the language of the global gaming industry and to allow the potential reach broader markets outside of Italy

  • Interactive Learning: We designed a regular format where students received self-paced learning materials at the beginning of the week, supported by three live Zoom sessions—two for extended learning and one Q&A with a trainer

  • Focus on the Human Element: We recruited and trained industry professionals from the UK to serve as trainers—game designers, programmers, and artists—bringing real-world expertise to the virtual classroom

  • Project-Based Learning: We incorporated collaborative projects where students worked in teams consisting of designers, artists, and programmers, simulating real-world work environments and providing the opportunity to develop substantial portfolio pieces

Implementation

The project was rolled out with a focus on flexibility and accessibility:

  • Timing: Live Zoom sessions were scheduled in the evenings to accommodate students who worked during the day

  • Personalised Learning: Courses were designed to be flexible, allowing students with varying schedules to focus on different aspects of the training (essential or optional)

Results and Impact

  • Increased Enrollment: By adapting to an online format, academy-wide enrollment increased by 40%, reaching a broader and more diverse audience

  • Higher Completion Rates: Course completion rates for the digital offering were strong, with 92% of students completing their training in the first two years

  • Positive Feedback: Students appreciated the flexibility and interactivity of the course, especially the option to engage with trainers and peers via Zoom. The project-based approach helped prepare them for real-world scenarios and they valued the hands-on practical experience

For more information on how we can help expand your training reach or enhance your digital offerings, please contact us.

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