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Hack Club Haven

Columbus

Game jam for teens 13-18Nov 14–15 · Brick House Blue

Brick House Blue
Contact us: columbus@haven.hackclub.com
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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)

Schedule (Not Confirmed)

Saturday

  1. 8:30 am Doors open & check in Grab a badge, a sticker and a donut.
  2. 9:00 am Opening Ceremony Overview, Theme Reveal, and Ice Breakers
  3. 9:30 am Team Formation Form your teams and start brainstorming ideas!
  4. 10:00 am Jumpstart Workshop (Required) Learn how to use Godot to make a platformer game!
  5. 11:30 am Lunch Break We will provide a nice lunch!
  6. 12:15 pm Lock in Time Lock in and work on building your game!
  7. 2:30 pm Game Check In Show off how your game is working so far and get feedback!
  8. 3:00 pm Lock In #2 Lock in chat! 👀
  9. 5:00 pm Sprig Workshop (Optional) Learn how to code with the Sprig!
  10. 6:00 pm Dinner More free food!!!
  11. 6:45 pm Daily Wrap Up Listen to announcements and learn what's next!
  12. 7:00 pm Clean Up Clean up your space!
  13. 7:30 pm Dismissal Go back home and come back tomorrow!

Sunday

  1. 10:30 am Doors Open Come on in and check in!
  2. 11:00 am Announcements Learn what we're doing today!
  3. 11:30 am Lunch You need a full stomach to code at your best!
  4. 12:15 pm Lock In #2 Lock in and finish your game!
  5. 3:00 pm Submit! Publish your game to Itch.io and submit it!
  6. 3:30 pm Shipping Prizes Get your own Haven T-Shirt for shipping your project!
  7. 4:00 pm Playtesting Show off your games to your fellow participants!
  8. 5:00 pm Voting Vote on your favorite games!
  9. 5:30 pm Closing Ceremony Distribute Prizes and Get info on Future Events
  10. 7:00 pm Clean Up Clean up your mess!
  11. 7:30 pm Dismissal Say goodbye to your new friends.

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 haven@hackclub.com for questions.

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 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 haven@hackclub.com for questions.

  • I still have questions!

    Join #haven-columbus on Slack or reach out to us at columbus@haven.hackclub.com!

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Do we get volunteer hours?

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

  • Can I join an organizing team?

    Of course! Many cities have organizing teams. Reach out to organizers in your area or apply to join an existing team.

Sign up!