Where is the event located?

We are hosting Haven at Pro Coworking Spaces! The address is: 127/T/25, Vinobha Nagar, Kidwai Nagar, BM Market, Hanumant Vihar, Naubasta, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208014. You can find it on Google Maps here.

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.

Can I bring my own food?

Yes, as long as it is a snack or a packed item. Please skip anything with a strong smell, meaning foods that release highly volatile aromatic compounds (think fish, heavily spiced dishes or anything pungent), so everyone can focus in a shared space.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes! The venue provides free Wi-Fi for all participants.

Do I need a team?

No. You can build solo or in a team of up to 3 people. We will have a team formation session right after the opening ceremony, so you can find teammates at the event.

But I’ve never coded before!

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

What happens at the end of the day?

You submit your game at the code freeze, every team demos it live for 90 seconds, and we finish with a closing ceremony and prizes. You can keep working on your game and share it with the world afterwards!

Do I need an ID?

A photo ID is suggested because the venue does a quick video check-in of everyone present, but it is not necessary.

Can my parents stay at the venue?

Parents can’t stay at the venue during the event, but a point-of-contact will be available if they need help or want to check in on you.

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.

Why should I organize a Haven?

You’ll make an impact on your community, whether inspiring someone to make their first game or helping someone find friends in tech. Leading an event is usually very difficult, but we are providing support to help you along the way!

Do we get volunteer hours?

Many schools accept organizing hours as community service. If your school requires documentation, we can provide it!

When does it start and end?

It is a one-day event on November 15. Doors open at 9:00 am and everything wraps up by 9:00 pm. Check the schedule above for the full timeline.

How do I sign up?

Put your email in the signup box at the top of this page and hit the button. We will email you with everything you need before the event.

Will there be food?

Yes! We will have lunch, dinner, and snacks and drinks throughout the day, all free for participants.

What should I bring?

Your laptop, charger, headphones, a water bottle, and an open mind. Install the game engine or tools you plan to use before you come, so you can start building right away. A photo ID is suggested but not required.

What if I don’t have a laptop?

You need a device you can make meaningful contributions on. A team of 3 needs at least 2 devices, and a team of 2 needs at least 1. If you don’t have one, try to borrow a laptop from a friend or family member for the day. Organizers can’t guarantee loaner devices.

What kind of game can I make?

Any type of game based on the theme, which is revealed at the opening ceremony. Platformer, visual novel, clicker game, puzzle, anything you can dream up. Use whatever engine or language you like, such as Godot, Unity, Pygame, or Scratch.

What are the prizes?

That’s a mystery! The prizes are kept secret until the closing ceremony. Come build something awesome and find out.

Do I need to sign a waiver?

Yes. After you sign up, we will email you a waiver to be signed before the event.

What time should I be picked up?

The event ends at 9:00 pm, so parents or guardians should arrange pickup from the venue at that time.

Who will be there to keep us safe?

Two adults will be present throughout the event, along with a team of 13 teen organizers trained in safeguarding.

Can I organize a Haven?

Absolutely! We’re always looking for passionate organizers. If you’re ready to bring the magic of game development to your community, we’d love to help.

What are the steps to organizing?

First, apply through our organizer form. Then we’ll guide you through venue booking, team building, workshop planning, and day-of coordination.

I still have questions!

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