ABOUT
The Games for Change Student Challenge is a game design competition that invites all middle and high school students across the U.S. to create digital games about real-world issues. Started in NYC in 2015, the Challenge has since expanded to provide year-round programming to Spotlight Cities (NYC, LA, Detroit, Atlanta), including professional development in game-based learning for up to 75 teachers per city, in-school and after-school game making courses, student game jams and workshops, and mentorship by professional game designers. In Spotlight Cities, the program offers citywide game design competitions that culminate in local Award Ceremonies, during which finalists showcase their games and winners are announced.
This year we are excited to launch a national competition, inviting students everywhere to participate in the Challenge. Spotlight Cities will continue to compete in citywide competitions and students from all other areas will compete on a national level.
CHALLENGE THEMES
To be considered for the competition, games must be about one of the four 2020 Challenge themes (listed below). Explore the game design prompts, learn about the topics and access theme resources on the G4C Student Challenge website here.
A Clean & Happy Earth (supported by Truth):
Create a game that reveals how smoking and vaping are contributing to Earth’s mounting toxic litter problem.
Inclusive Play: Designing Games for All (supported by AT&T):
Design a game for all players and help break down barriers than prevent some from accessing or enjoying gaming.
Get the Party Started (supported by iCivics):
Envision a new political party and design a game that reveals how your party will successfully enter the 2020 presidential race and change the trajectory of the election.
How the Human-Animal Bond Benifits People & Pets (supported by Annenberg PetSpace):
Research how pets help people who may feel isolated or excluded relate to and interact with others in their communities - and make a game that teaches people how the human-animal bond improves lives.
2020 G4C STUDENT CHALLENGE PARTNERS
PROGRAM PARTNERS
PROGRAM SUPPORTERS
THEME PARTNERS
