What exactly is Haven Bokaro?

Haven Bokaro is a free, beginner-friendly game jam where teens aged 13–18 come together to learn, build, and ship their own games over a weekend. You do not need to be an experienced developer — the whole point is to give you a place to start.

Do I need to know how to code?

Nope! You can join even if you have never written a line of code. We’ll have resources, workshops, mentors, and other participants who can help you learn as you build.

What if I don't have friends who are into coding?

That’s completely fine. You definitely don’t need to arrive with a group. One of the main reasons Haven exists is to help teens meet other people who are interested in technology, games, art, and building things.

Do I have to be a game developer already?

Absolutely not. Haven is designed to be approachable for people who are making their first game as well as people who already have experience. You’ll learn by actually building something instead of just watching tutorials.

Is Haven Bokaro free?

Yes! Haven is free for participants. Hack Club is a nonprofit organization supporting teenagers who want to build technical projects and communities.

Do I need my own laptop?

You should plan to bring a laptop if you have one, since you’ll be building your game during the event. We’ll share the exact equipment and setup requirements with registered participants before the event.

What if I have never used a game engine?

That’s okay. You can learn as you go. We’ll point beginners toward suitable tools and resources, and you can ask organizers and other participants for help when you get stuck.

Can I participate if I'm better at art than coding?

Definitely. Games need artists, designers, writers, musicians, storytellers, and people with good ideas too. You can contribute without being the person writing all the code.

Can I attend alone?

Yes! You do not need a friend, team, or previous connection to attend. Come by yourself, meet people, and find teammates at the event.

Will there be prizes?

Any prizes, awards, or judging details will be announced by the Haven Bokaro organizers. The main goal is to actually finish something, learn new skills, and have a great weekend building with other teens.

Do we get volunteer or community service hours?

If you are helping organize Haven Bokaro, you can ask us about documentation for your volunteering or community service. Whether your school accepts those hours is ultimately up to your school’s own policy.

Where exactly in Bokaro is the event?

The final venue details will be shared with registered participants. Keep an eye on the official Haven Bokaro updates for the confirmed location, timings, and arrival instructions.

Can I leave during the event?

Please follow the venue and event safety rules. If you are a minor, any required parent or guardian permissions and sign-out procedures will apply. We’ll provide the exact arrangements before the event.

Can someone older than 18 attend?

The participant program is for ages 13–18. If you’re older and want to help as a mentor, volunteer, or organizer, contact us and we can let you know if there is an appropriate role.

How do I join the Haven Bokaro organizing team?

Email us at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) and tell us a little about yourself, what you’d like to help with, and why you want to be part of the organizing team. We’ll get back to you with the next steps.

What can I help with as an organizer?

There are lots of ways to contribute — outreach, social media, design, photography, venue coordination, workshops, participant support, sponsorships, logistics, registration, and helping run the event itself. Tell us what you’re good at and we’ll figure out where you fit.

Is this only for students from one school?

No. Haven Bokaro is intended to bring together teens from different schools and backgrounds across the local community. You don’t need to attend a particular school to participate.

Will I need permission from my parents?

Because participants are minors, parent or guardian consent may be required depending on the event arrangements. We’ll provide the relevant permission and safety information during registration.

What if my game isn't finished?

That’s completely normal. Game jams are about learning how to scope an idea, build under a deadline, and get something working. A small finished game is often much more realistic than an enormous unfinished one.

Can I use AI to make my game?

AI tools may be useful for brainstorming, coding assistance, art, sound, or other parts of development, depending on the event rules. Any specific restrictions or requirements around AI-generated content will be explained in the official jam rules.

Will there be internet and Wi-Fi?

We expect participants to have access to the connectivity needed to build and collaborate, but exact venue facilities will be confirmed before the event. It’s still a good idea to have anything important downloaded and ready before you arrive.

Who can attend Haven Bokaro?

Anyone aged 13–18 can attend. You can be a complete beginner, a programmer, an artist, a designer, a writer, or just someone who loves games and wants to try making one.

Do I need to bring a team?

No. You can come alone. You’ll have opportunities to meet other participants and form a team at the event. If you already have friends you want to build with, you can also come together.

What kind of games can I make?

Pretty much anything you can realistically build during the jam. You could make a platformer, puzzle game, horror game, arcade game, story-driven game, multiplayer experiment, or something completely weird. Your imagination is the limit — your weekend is the constraint.

What will we actually do during the weekend?

You’ll meet other participants, form teams, come up with a game idea, learn the tools you need, build your game, get help from mentors and organizers, test your project, and submit it by the end of the jam. There may also be workshops and other activities throughout the event.

Will I need to pay for food, workshops, or anything else?

There is no participation fee. Any specific arrangements for food, equipment, or other event logistics will be shared with registered participants before the event.

What should I bring?

Bring your laptop and charger if you have one, along with anything else you normally need for a full day of building. We’ll send registered participants the final event checklist and venue details before the event.

Will there be mentors?

Yes. Organizers and mentors will be around to help with things like coding, game design, debugging, ideas, and getting unstuck. You’re not expected to figure everything out alone.

Can I come if I'm more interested in AI than games?

Yes. A game jam is a great place to experiment with technology, including AI. You can explore AI-powered mechanics, procedural generation, NPCs, creative tools, or other ideas as long as your project fits the event rules.

Can my friends and I come together?

Yes. If you already have friends who want to participate, encourage them to register too. You can work together as a team while still meeting other participants during the weekend.

Do we get certificates?

Yes! Participants will receive certificates for taking part in Haven Bokaro. Details about how certificates will be distributed will be shared with participants after the event.

What if my parents are worried about me attending?

That’s understandable. Your parents can read our parent guide for more information. They can also contact us directly at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) if they have questions about the event.

What time does Haven Bokaro start and end?

Haven Bokaro takes place on November 14–15. The exact check-in, start, and closing times will be shared with registered participants along with the final event schedule.

Can someone under 13 attend?

Haven Bokaro is intended for teens aged 13–18, so participants outside that age range are not eligible for the participant program.

Can I organize Haven Bokaro with a team?

Yes! Organizing a Haven is a team effort. If you want to help with logistics, outreach, workshops, design, photography, sponsorships, or on-the-day operations, reach out to us.

I have no event-organizing experience. Can I still join the organizing team?

Yes. You don’t need to have organized a hackathon or game jam before. What matters is that you’re willing to take responsibility, communicate clearly, and actually help get things done.

Can I volunteer only on the event days?

Potentially. Some roles are mainly needed during the event, while others require preparation beforehand. Email us at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) and tell us how much time you can commit.

I'm from outside Bokaro. Can I attend?

You can apply if you meet the age requirements, but you should make sure you have a safe and practical way to travel to and from the venue. Travel and accommodation arrangements are not automatically provided unless specifically announced by the organizers.

What if I get stuck while making my game?

That is basically the natural state of a game jam. 😭 Ask a mentor, organizer, or teammate, search the documentation, simplify the idea, and keep building. You are not expected to create a commercial-quality game in one weekend.

Do I need to be good at maths or computer science?

No. There are no special academic requirements. Curiosity, willingness to learn, and a willingness to work with your team matter much more than having taken advanced computer science or maths.

Can I submit a game I made before Haven?

Game jam submission rules can vary, so check the official Haven Bokaro rules before submitting an existing project. In general, the goal is to build something during the jam rather than simply present an old project.

Can I ask a question that isn't answered here?

Absolutely. Email the Haven Bokaro team at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) and send us your question. We’ll help you out!