ABOUT

The annual Games for Change (G4C) Student Challenge is a national game design program and competition that invites students to create digital games about real-world issues impacting their communities. The Challenge includes professional development in game design for educators, school-based game-making courses, student Game Jams, and social impact Themes inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Challenge culminates in a national game design competition through which students can submit their original work for the chance to win prizes, including a $10,000 scholarship, generously provided by Take-Two Interactive. Winners are announced live during an Awards Ceremony at the end of the school year.

The Challenge is designed to expose students to, and excite their interest in, career opportunities in STEAM, develop 21st-century skills such as creativity and collaboration, encourage civic participation, and advance digital storytelling skills. In addition, the Challenge builds the capacity for teachers to use game-based learning tools and approaches as ways to deepen student learning and engagement, benefiting their classrooms, schools, and districts.

Games for Change (G4C) is a nonprofit that facilitates the creation and distribution of digital games that serve as powerful tools in humanitarian and educational efforts and leverages entertainment and engagement for social good. G4C convenes diverse stakeholders, highlights best practices, incubates games, and helps create and direct investment into new projects. (www.gamesforchange.org)

WHAT THE PROGRAM OFFERS

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR EDUCATORS IN SCHOOLS AND MUSEUMS TO RUN IMPACT GAME DESIGN COURSES
SOCIAL IMPACT THEMES THAT ELEVATE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, IGNITE CURIOSITY AND INSPIRE STUDENTS TO RESEARCH & DESIGN ORIGINAL IMPACT GAMES
GAME DESIGN COURSES THAT EMPOWER STUDENTS TO BECOME DIGITAL CITIZENS, BUILD KEY 21ST-CENTURY SKILLS AND EXPOSE STUDENTS TO CAREER PATHWAYS
GAME JAMS TO HELP STUDENTS HONE THEIR GAME DESIGN SKILLS WITH MENTORSHIP FROM PROFESSIONAL GAME DESIGNERS
A NATIONAL COMPETITION FOR WHICH STUDENTS CREATE GAMES ABOUT REAL-WORLD ISSUES AND COMPETE TO WIN PRIZES & SCHOLARSHIPS
AWARDS CEREMONY & EXHIBITION OF GAMES TO SHOWCASE AND AWARD THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS

WHY GAME DESIGN?

The Challenge connects with students’ passion for video games and uses game design to advance STEAM learning, promote the acquisition of key 21st-century skills (such as collaboration, communication, systems thinking, and problem-solving), and encourage civic engagement through digital storytelling. By designing games on issues that matter to them, students become informed creators of media and active change-makers in their communities.

 

WHO DOES THE CHALLENGE REACH?

The Challenge serves public middle and high school students and educators (grades 5-12), with a special focus on reaching diverse and economically disadvantaged areas. Any student can submit their game to the Challenge competition.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A PARTNER?

Games for Change is seeking both national and local partnerships. For information on how to get involved, email [email protected].