Community partners to host ‘Game Design and Development Lab’ March 11

For the fourth year in a row, in partnership with the 2026 Global Game Jam, the School District of Rhinelander Community Education Program, Nicolet College and ArtStart are hosting a “Game Design and Development Lab” for middle school and high school students.

Jeremy Nikolai, a software engineer and programmer from Stevens Point, is leading the program. Students have formed teams and are designing and building physical or digital games from initial concept to a playable demo. Teams are working on bringing their games to life.

Since Feb. 10, approximately 25 students have been meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at James Williams Middle School. 

On Wednesday, March 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., there will be a final showcase at the Nicolet College Theater in the Lakeside Center open to family, friends, and the general public. During this time, students will display their games and will demonstrate how their games are played. 

This event is free for all. Food and beverage will be provided.

“It’s wonderful that we are able to offer this opportunity to students who are interested in gaming, coding, art and creativity,” said Mike Cheslock from the School District of Rhinelander. 

“The students are being connected with professionals in the field to give them a valuable hands-on experience. It’s possible that we have some future gaming engineers within the program!”

Here in Rhinelander, this program is part of the Culture Tap Artist Residency Program. This innovative partnership between the School District of Rhinelander, Nicolet College and ArtStart brings international and regional artists to the Northwoods. This program is supported in part by a generous donation from the Rhinelander Community Foundation.