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WMS Welcomes Video Game Designer to Speak With Tech Ed Students

Woodbury Middle School Tech Ed students met video game designer Nico Papalia who spoke to them about his journey from a young avid gamer to developer of his own video game, Athenian Rhapsody now available on all gaming platforms. 

“I went from a regular kid playing video games to someone who now designs them for others to play,” Papalia told students. Athenian Rhapsody became available in May of this year on Apple, Android, Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC, PS4 and PS5. 

Papalia majored in digital and studio art at SUNY Oneonta and began planning the game in 2020. “Even though I was not a video game major, practicing creative skills in drawing and computer art helped me build the foundation for this game,” he said. “I took the time to learn as much as possible and by 2024 I was at the PAX tradeshow promoting my game.” 

Papalia let students demo the game and left them with a few pillars to following their dreams- persistence, studying, seeking knowledge, networking, and not being afraid to take a risk. 

WMS Tech Ed teacher Will Michael met Papalia at the Danbury Mall during one of his crowd promotions for the video game. Michael asked Papalia to come speak to his Tech Ed students, who will begin their Video Game Design unit in January. Michael said he was excited for the students to be inspired to hear about Papalia's journey.

nico with students