WHY GAME DESIGN?

The Challenge connects with students’ passion for video games, and uses game design to advance STEAM learning, promote acquisition of key 21st-century skills (such as collaboration, communication, systems thinking and problem solving) and encourage civic engagement through digital storytelling. By designing games on issues that matter to them, students become informed creators of media and active change makers in their communities.

WHO DOES THE CHALLENGE REACH?

The Challenge serves middle and high school students aged 13-to-18 years. Any Student Can Submit Their Game to the Challenge’s National Competition. Intensive, school-based Challenge programs, reaching diverse and economically disadvantaged students, are offered in Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles and New York City.  New downloadable lessons on game design, professional development and robust digital resources are available for educators and students across the country. 

WHAT IS NEW TO THE PROGRAM THIS YEAR?

• Competition expands nationally, inviting all students across the United States with the opportunity to participate. Learn more here.

• New G4C Student Challenge Curriculum is now available to all students for free! Students can move through the course at their own pace and facilitator guides are available for Teachers, Parents and Museum Educators. 

• A new focus on ‘games and accessibility’ will give students the opportunity to learn how to design games that can be enjoyed by everyone, including people with different types of disabilities. In partnership with Numinous Games, the program will provide resources, workshops and a new ‘Accessibility Award’ to recognize students who integrated accessibility features into the games they submit to the competition.