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G4C invites students to learn how to design & code your own video game with pros from the games industry!
About this event
CALLING ALL GAMING ENTHUSIASTS!
Do you love playing video games? Have you always wanted to learn how to make one? Then this game jam event is for YOU!
Games for Change (G4C) invites middle & high school students (grades 5-12) from all over the US to make games at our upcoming Virtual Game Jam! During the jam you'll get support from professional game designers who will teach you the basics of game design & guide you through the creation process. No experience with game design or computer science is needed! Whether you're a seasoned game designer or a total newbie, you'll be able to develop your skills & make great games that can make the world a better place!
Students will use a Student Challenge Theme to inspire their games: Shaping the World for Difference''. Supported by Understood, this topic is about bringing awareness to learning & thinking differences such as ADHD & dyslexia. Students will use this game design prompt as a guide:
How would you design a game that is fun & playable by everyone - no matter how well they can do things like pay attention, read, write, & work with numbers? Help shape the world for all kinds of thinkers. Make a game that raises awareness about learning & thinking differences.
G4C Student Challenge Game Jam: Shaping the World for Difference image
About Understood:
1 in 5 Americans have learning & thinking differences, such as ADHD & dyslexia. They are often misunderstood, undiagnosed, & dismissed, & these differences are viewed as a weakness. This leaves many on a journey that is stacked against them & costs society billions of dollars. Understood is a lifelong guide for those who learn & think differently. Today, we help more than 20 million people each year discover their potential, how to take control, find community, & stay on a positive path along each stage of life's journey. When others join this journey, & people are broadly embraced, everyone thrives.
Understood is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation based in New York. For more information, or to become a partner, visit u.org/media & follow us on Twitter @UnderstoodOrg.
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This event is one of two Virtual G4C Game Jams taking place during Spring 2022. Each jam explores a different social impact theme & is facilitated by G4C, professional game designers & theme topic experts. Students do NOT need prior experience with game design or computer science to participate.
PLEASE NOTE: A Student Release Form must be signed/submitted for each participating student: https://bit.ly/StWfDReleaseForm
Forms can be signed by a parent, teacher or guardian over the age of 18 years old.
How to Get Ready for the Jam:
Make sure you have reliable internet connection
Students must have access to a laptop/computer (preferable), Chromebook or Tablet (iPad or Android). Devices w/ camera & microphone are best
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)
Tell a friend! All students grades 5-12 can participate
ABOUT THE G4C STUDENT CHALLENGE:
The Games for Change Student Challenge is a national game design program & competition that reaches thousands of public middle & high school students each year. The Challenge inspires students to express themselves by creating original digital games about topics relevant to their lives & communities. In Spring 2022, 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 - & a $10,000 scholarship, generously provided by Take-Two Interactive. Learn more about the competition here.
The 2021-22 program runs in cities across the country (NYC, LA, Atlanta, Detroit, Pittsburgh & Seattle) as well as nationally through online/virtual opportunities. Now in its 7th year, the program has engaged over 35,000 students, trained more than 700 educators in game design, & resulted in the creation of nearly 4,000 original student games.
To learn more about the program & future opportunities, visit the G4C Student Challenge website & follow us on social media:
Facebook: Games for Change
Instagram: @gamesforchange
Twitter: @g4c
FAQs
Q: How can I contact the event organizer?
A: Please email the G4C team at: 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, & prototype digital games. The events are run by Games for Change, professional game designers, & theme content experts.
Q: Who can attend the event? What does it cost?
A: This event is free & open to all middle & high school students (grades 5-12).
Q: Do I need a computer for the event?
A: Yes, students need a computer/laptop to participate in the virtual game jams. Tablets & Chromebooks are also acceptable.
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 content creation tool that lets you build, explore & 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 already started making a game. Can I still attend & get help with my project?
A: Absolutely! Participants can start a new project or continue working on an existing project during the 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 & high school students. While you are welcome to observe, we leave the jamming & participation to the students!
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