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Hack Club Games for Change
Hack Club Haven

DC

Game jam for teens 13-18Nov 14 · Washington DC

The Washington Times Building
Contact us: [email protected]
more info

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What is a game jam?

It’s a social coding event where you make a video game with friends + free food!

follow workshops or create at your own pace

Learn & Build

  • Attendees hanging out together
  • A group of teens working at a shared table

meet new people and form lifelong relationships

Make Friends

  • A spread of snacks and merch
  • Attendees holding up their prizes

can’t say no to free snacks :)

Free Food & Prizes

Don’t game jams sound awesome?

This November, YOU can join the world's largest teen game jam. Yes, you! It doesn’t matter if you have years of experience, or just learned what they are today.

You’ll join thousands of teens making games from all around the world. Don't consider yourself a game dev? No problem - we have tons of workshops for you to make your game!

This is your chance to learn something new, meet new friends, andgo on an incredible adventure together!

Here is how you can join a game jam this November!

(Don't worry, we'll guide you through each step)

What happens on the day?

Saturday

  1. 8:00-8:30AM Check-in Doors Open! Make sure to arrive by 8:30AM for check-in with your registration (sent through email) filled out before you arrive. Contact [email protected] if you're running late.
  2. 8:30-9:30AM Opening Ceremony + Icebreakers
  3. 8:30-9:30AM Breakfast!
  4. 9:30-11:00AM Jumpstart/Ren'Py Game Making Workshops! Jumpstart and Ren'Py are beginner-friendly game engines, basically the tools you code in to make games with! At least one member from each team must join this workshop.
  5. 11:00-11:30AM How to Ship Workshop Learn how to get your game deployed to itch.io and a link to show the code behind your game! At least one member from each team must join this workshop.
  6. 12:00-1:00PM Lunch
  7. 1:00-2:30PM Pixel Art Workshop! Make custom art for your game!
  8. 2:30-3:00PM Lightning Talks with Hot Cocoa Have 2 minutes to optionally speak on any topic you'd like while sipping on some hot cocoa!
  9. 3:30-5:00PM Music in Game Dev Workshop If you've finished early, why not learn how to make a website about your game using HTML and CSS!
  10. 5:00-6:00PM Website Workshop If you've finished early, why not learn how to make a website about your game using HTML and CSS!
  11. 5:00-6:00PM Sprite Animation Workshop Turn your art into animation!
  12. 6:00-6:30PM Shipping Portal Opens! This is where you submit your game for voting and the chance to win prizes!!!
  13. 6:30-7:30PM Playing and Voting Play all of the cool games and vote on your favorite ones!!
  14. 7:30-8:30PM Closing Ceremony+Prizes!
  15. 7:30-8:30PM Dinner!
  16. 8:30PM End of Event Make sure you have a ride, and keep a look out for our next event!

Hack Club has helped teens organize hundreds of events woldwide!Check out some of our past events ~

We take safety seriously. You can see our parent guide here, or they can reach out to us at [email protected] for questions.

Our sponsors

FAQ

  • Am I eligible?

    If you’re age 13-18, you’re eligible! No prior experience required.

  • Is this free?

    Yes! Hack Club is a nonprofit helping teens build technical projects at no cost.

  • But I’ve never coded or made art before!

    Perfect! Game jams are designed for beginners. You’ll have workshops, mentors, and teammates to help you every step of the way.

  • What if my parents are concerned?

    We’re here to help! You can see our parent guide here, or they can reach out to us at [email protected] for questions.

  • I still have questions!

    Join #haven-help on Slack or reach out to us at [email protected]!

  • Where is this?

    We'll be out in DC! The specific address will be revealed closer to the event!

  • Why should I go to Haven DC?

    You'll go from 0 to creating a whole game from scratch by the end of our event!

  • What are the steps to joining?

    Fill out our sign up form ASAP, and check in on the day of our event! No experience needed!

  • What can I build?

    We'll be running workshops on how to make video games with different coding softwares, pixel art, and game music/sound effects to make video games during the event!

  • Can I bring friends?

    Yes! The more the merrier!!

Sign up!