Gaming

Epic Games Game Mechanics Design & Development with Unreal Engine

Build a 3D Rube Goldberg machine like a Game Designer would that helps you understand and create 3D design that takes into physics-based mechanics for the purpose of storytelling.

6 weeks

Live Sessions Start

January 26, 2026

Start Onboarding Today

Ever wondered how interactive worlds and stunning 3D projects are created? This externship offers an immersive experience in game design, interactive storytelling, and digital creativity using Unreal Engine —the powerhouse behind iconic games like Fortnite, movies, and virtual reality experiences. Over six weeks, you’ll design and build an imaginative 3D Rube Goldberg machine, gaining practical skills in creative workflows, physics-based mechanics, visual design, and storytelling. Whether you’re an aspiring game designer, animator, or digital innovator, this externship provides hands-on experience guided by industry expert Steve Isaacs from Epic Games.

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This externship is ideal for creatives, tech enthusiasts, gamers, and problem solvers eager to explore game development, animation, and interactive media. Whether you're interested in video games, TV/film production, architecture, or marketing, this program provides hands-on experience in Unreal Engine—a tool used across multiple industries. Just bring your passion for creativity, technology, and innovation!

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Technical requirements to ensure success for this Externship for Unreal Engine:

- Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit or macOS 10.14 or later;

- Processor: Quad-core Intel or AMD processor, 2.5 GHz or faster;

- Memory: At least 8 GB of RAM (16 GB or more is recommended);

- Graphics Card: DirectX 11 or 12 compatible graphics card;

- Storage: 250 GB of free space (SSD preferred).

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**No prior experience with Unreal Engine or Computer Programming is necessary —just bring your passion for creativity, technology, and innovation!

Project Output

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1. Design and build a Rube Goldberg machine using interactive mechanics.

2. Develop a 3D game with character movement, challenges, and collectibles.

3. Create portfolio-ready projects to showcase technical and creative skills.

Get Started with Onboarding Today Before Live Sessions Begin

Start Project Today

This Externship has passed

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“If I hadn’t done a VC externship during term time, I know I’d be spending hours watching YouTube videos just to understand which careers I might enjoy! I don’t think I fully understood the value of an externship till I actually did one and now I want to argue that externships should be a part of the college experience for every student.”

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Diego Juarez

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“My Externship really changed my career trajectory. As students, we often chase after Fortune 500 work experiences, but the intimate experience of getting to work with a startup can actually really help you learn a lot and level up what you can bring to the table. My cohort even had the opportunity to speak with the founder of Crafted Capital and learn from his firsthand experience.”

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Skills You'll Gain

Unreal Engine interface navigation & scene setup

Creative concept development & storytelling

3D layout design

Object interaction

Physics mechanics (gravity, collision, momentum)

Testing and debugging your RGM interactions

Post-production editing & storytelling through video

Your Schedule

6 weeks

Project 1

—

Build Your Foundation in Unreal Engine

Project 2

—

Make a Draft Rube Goldberg Machine

Project 3

—

Iterate on and Build Your Rube Goldberg Project

About Epic Games

Epic Games is the global video gaming powerhouse behind games like Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys with a global ecosystem of developers and players. Epic Games is also the creator of Unreal Engine, one of the most powerful 3D creation tools used across a diverse set of use cases. Think film, animation, simulations, and architecture; many industries outside of gaming are powered by Unreal Engine.

The Home Depot is not accepting or considering any applications for this Externship through other channels.

Meet Your Host

Steve Isaacs

Director of Secondary Education Programs

Steve Isaacs leads global education programs that bring Unreal Engine into classrooms and communities, helping people of all ages learn how to build interactive digital worlds.

The producer of Minefaire -- a massive minecraft fan experience -- as well as an educator with over 25 years experience in the area of Game Based Learning and teaching Game Design and Development, you’ll feel supported every step of the way—whether you’re brand new to Unreal or looking to level up.