SUNYIT's game design club and Microsoft representatives will hold two workshops for students interesting in making games and other applications for cutting-edge touch screen hardware.

The first session, on Friday, September 6, 4-9 p.m., will focus on "Developing Games for Windows 8 & Windows Phone 8 using C#/MonoGame."  The second workshop, starting at 4 p.m. on Friday, September 13, and ending at 4 p.m. on Sunday,  September 15, is an "App-a-thon" entitled "Developing Apps for Windows 8 & Windows Phone 8 using C#/XAML." Both events will be held in Donovan Hall, Rm. 2147.

"The App-a-thon will start with a presentation from the Microsoft representative demonstrating how to use the software and setting up the appropriate accounts so that the students can create the apps. The representative usually stays until the evening to help troubleshoot any problems the students have as they build the app," said Ibrahim Yucel, assistant professor of communication and humanities. "Students are encouraged to work on their app until 2 or 3 o'clock on Sunday afternoon when it will be demoed, and attendees will vote on the best project. The winner receives a prize provided by Microsoft."

Microsoft representatives taking part in the event will include Steve Maier of Rochester, an expert in Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, and Windows Azure as well as mobile app development on Android and iOS. Maier is the coauthor of an SQL Server book, has taught game programming at Rochester Institute of Technology, and is the also co-founder of AppRochester, a community group focusing on mobile devices.

"Students interested in game and app design are encouraged to take part in these events," Yucel said. "Someone who attends and learns how to create something and get it on the Windows Store could make money—their app could be the next big thing."

The workshops are free and open to all SUNYIT students. For more information, email ibrahim.yucel@sunypoly.edu.