CALLING ALL GAME ENTHUSIASTS!

Do you like to play video games? Have you ever wondered how to make one from scratch? This game jam event is for YOU!

Games for Change (G4C) invites middle and high school students in NYC, Atlanta, and Detroit to join a virtual G4C Game Jam on Saturday, Feb 6th. During the jam, you’ll work with professional game designers who will teach you the basics of game design and guide you through the creation process. Whether you’re a seasoned game designer or a total newbie, you’ll be able to develop your skills and create a video game that can contribute to making the planet a safer and healthier place for all.

This jam focuses on the G4C Student Challenge theme of Advocating for Animals. Supported by Annenberg Petspace, this topic is about exploring the interconnected relationship between humans, animals, and our shared environment. During the event, students will complete a number of design challenges and ultimately create a project in response to this game design prompt:

Make a game that addresses the importance of being responsible animal advocates in our communities. Demonstrate the significance of animals in their respective ecosystems, and what would happen if they disappeared.

This event is the second of three virtual G4C Game Jams during Spring 2021. Each jam explores a different social impact theme and is facilitated by G4C, professional game designers, and theme topic experts. Students do NOT need prior experience with game design or computer science to participate.

Technology Requirements:

• Reliable internet connection
• Access to a laptop/computer (preferable), Chromebook or Tablet (iPad or Android); devices w/ camera and microphone are best

Getting ready for the jam:

• Make sure your device has the latest version of Zoom installed (free download here)
• Create a Student Account in Scratch (if you don’t already have one)

PLEASE NOTE: A Student Release Form must be signed / submitted for each participating student in advance of the event. Forms will be shared by email after you complete the registration process and can be signed by parent, teacher, or guardian over the age of 18 years old.

ABOUT THE G4C STUDENT CHALLENGE:

The Games for Change Student Challenge is a national game design program and competition that reaches thousands of public middle and high school students each year. The Challenge inspires students to express themselves by creating original digital games about topics relevant to their lives and communities. In Spring 2021, students can submit their games to G4C’s annual game design competition for the chance to win cool prizes, such as games, technology, career-related experience - and a $1,000 Grand Prize Scholarship. Learn more about the competition here.

The 2020-21 program runs in cities across the country (NYC, LA, Atlanta, Detroit and Seattle) as well as nationally through online/virtual opportunities. Now in its 6th year, the program has engaged over 30,000 students, trained nearly 600 educators in game design, and resulted in the creation of 3,000 original student games.

To learn more about the program and future opportunities, visit the G4C Student Challenge website and follow us on social media:

• Facebook: G4C Student
• Instagram: G4CStudent
• Twitter: @g4c

FAQs

Q: How can I contact the event organizer?

A: Please email the G4C team: studentchallenge@gamesforchange.org

Q: What is a G4C Game Jam?

A: Game Jams are half day events during which students hone their game making skills, explore social impact themes and prototype digital games. The events are run by non-profit Games for Change, professional game designers and theme content experts.

Q: Who can attend the event? What does it cost?

A: This event is free and open to all middle and high public school students in NYC, Atlanta, and Detroit.

Q: What if I live outside of the areas listed above?

A: Students outside of NY, Detroit and Atlanta can attend upcoming game jams that are open to all students nationwide. Our next national game jam is on February 27 and you can register here. You can also check-out upcoming game jams and other events on the G4C Student Challenge Events Page or send us an email: studentchallenge@gamesforchange.org.

Q: Do I need a computer for the event?

A: Yes, students need a computer/laptop to participate in the virtual game jams. Tablets and Chromebooks are also acceptable. Not sure if you have the right device? Send us an email: studentchallenge@gamesforchange.org.

Q. I have never made a video game before. Can I attend the event?

A. Yes! The event is open to students with different experience levels, including complete newbies!

Q: What platform or programming language will we use to make games?

A: For this game jam, students will learn how to build games using a free block-based programming tool called Scratch. Scratch is a free tool content creation tool that lets you build, explore and share projects with millions of other users worldwide.

NOTE: If you are new to Scratch, please create an account in advance of the event.

Q: I am creating a game for the Challenge competition; can I attend the event to get help with my project?

A: Absolutely! Participants can start a new project or continue working on an existing project during the game jam.

Q: I am a parent or a teacher! Can I participate in this game jam?

A: Game jams are student-facing workshops, specifically intended for middle and high school students. While you are welcome to observe, we leave the jamming and participation to the students!