G4C Game Jam - Inclusive Play: Designing Games for All

Games for Chang [http://www.gamesforchange.org]e is hosting a game jam which challenges students to create social impact GAMES AROUND THE TOPIC OF Inclusive Play: Designing Games for All [http://www.gamesforchange.org/studentchallenge/atlanta/inclusive-play/]. Why do you game? Some play for fun, some play to learn, and some play to connect with others. For people with disabilities, games can do even more: they can be tools for therapy, provide pain relief and can increase independence, socialization, and empowerment. But games are not always designed with people with disabilities in mind. We will utilize time at our first game jam to think about applying “Design for All” principles to game design and how it can lead to new awesome games that can be played by everyone. During the jam, you’ll have an opportunity to learn more about this topic with members from AT&T. In addition, professional game designers from Adult Swim Gaming will teach you the basics of game design and guide you through the process of creating your game prototypes in both non-digital and digital form. Whether you’re a seasoned game designer or a complete newbie, you’ll be able to develop your skills and make great games that can make the world a better place! ABOUT THE G4C STUDENT CHALLENGE: This game jam is part of the 2019-20 G4C Student Challenge in Atlanta, a digital game design program and competition that invites middle and high school students to create original games about issues impacting their communities. Students across the country can submit their original games to the Challenge competition (Deadline: March 31) for the chance to gain national recognition and win awesome prizes including games, technology and a $1,000 Grand Prize Scholarship. Finalist games will be exhibited at an awards ceremony and winners announced during an awards ceremony in June 2020. For more information about the G4C Student Challenge, visit our website: www.gamesforchange.org/studentchallenge [http://www.gamesforchange.org/studentchallenge]. FAQs Q: How can I contact the event organizer? A: Please email studentchallenge@gamesforchange.org with any questions about the event. Q: Who can attend the event? A: This event is free and open to all middle and high public school students in Atlanta and the greater metro area. Q: Do I need to bring a laptop to the event? A: Students are not required to bring laptops to the event. All technology will be provided. Q: What platform or programming language will we be using to make our games? A: First, we’ll focus on non-digital and make paper prototypes of our game ideas. Then, we’ll focus on digital using Scratch, a free platform for kids to make games, animations, and other interactive art. Scratch newbies are welcome, as are seasoned pros and everything between! Q: I’ve already begun my Student Challenge game. Can I come to the jam to work on it? A: Absolutely! Feel free to bring your game, even if it’s on a different platform or another theme than what the jam is focusing on. Q: Do I need to bring my lunch with me? A: NO, you do not need to pack a lunch. Complimentary lunch will be provided for student attendees.