Calling All LGBTQ+ Youth Game Creators!
Ready to change the world through video games?
Maven Youth invites you to join our special online LGBTQ+ cohort in the 2025 Games for Change Student Challenge — a competition that teaches high school students about game design and computer programming. Students create a video game based on a social impact theme.
(Open to students in grades 9-12 - no prior experience required!)
2025 Maven Youth Games for Change Cohort Program
Teams Form
Teams will form based on roles—Coder, Artist, or Game Writer—to collaboratively develop a social good video game for the G4C competition. You'll work closely with your teammates throughout the program to bring your ideas to life!
Video Game Dev Trainings
Throughout the program, students will receive online game development workshops. These comprehensive trainings will ensures your team is equipped to create a standout game for the G4C competition!
Creating/Support
Teams will collaborate for three months to develop their video game, supported by the Maven Youth team. Hosted open labs will offer additional assistance for drop-in questions and technical support.
Enter Competition
After months of development and game testing, in April teams will submit their video game to the 2024 G4C Competition, aiming to win the Game of the Year award and a $10,000 scholarship.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to shine! Apply by October 25th 2024 to secure your spot.
What is the Games for Change Student Challenge?
In this competition, you'll team up to create an original video game centered around one of this year's compelling themes, all listed below. Your creation could earn recognition, win prizes, and offer you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the world!
2025 G4C Game Themes
Peaceformers Challenge
Challenge players to manage resources and respond to crisis situations during natural or man-made disasters. Emphasize critical thinking, effective prioritization, and teamwork. Teach players how to stabilize communities and safeguard lives amidst chaos.
Nurture Yourself with Nature
Invite players to explore how they can nurture their connection with nature and address eco-anxiety, promoting mindfulness and environmental consciousness in their everyday lives.
Outplay Hunger
Inspire and empower players to actively transform their community's food landscape. Focus on areas such as reducing food deserts, minimizing food waste, and encouraging healthy eating habits. Motivate players to create lasting, positive change in their local environment!
Why Participate?
Where else can you find a community of LGBTQ+ youth passionate about video games, eager to co-create in a safe and supportive space?
Join our queer youth creators to showcase the power of queer leadership and innovation! Express your identity through the exciting world of game design while gaining valuable skills in coding, art, storytelling, and teamwork. Connect with other LGBTQ+ youth who share your passion for gaming and social change, and compete for amazing prizes, including up to $10,000! Don’t miss this chance to make your mark in the gaming community!
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Key Details
Open to students in grades 9 - 12
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Teams consist of up to 4 youth, each responsible for a different aspect of the game development process.
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No prior experience required! Come open to learning and we will support you in unlocking your creativity as a team.​
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Youth will be from around the US.
Tools of the trade
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Games will be built in Ren’Py, a visual novel game engine, with the potential for alternative submissions using other free platforms (e.g. Scratch, Unity, or Twine).
Online cohort experience
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The program will kick off in November 2024 with monthly workshops and team-building activities. Teams will form in January and collaborate on their video game until April 2025, when they will submit their game to the competition. We ask all students to be competed to being part of the program for 5 month program.