With most of the world in quarantine during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many have turned to video games for entertainment. Google has taken it one step further by pressing ahead with their (now virtual) Design Challenge 2020, as part of Google’s Change the Game initiative.
Change the Game was launched in December 2017. Its mission statement is to “make mobile gaming truly for everyone by celebrating and empowering women as players and creators”.
The Design Challenge is one of many programs launched to promote diversity in video games and the video game industry. This year, Change the Game has partnered with Girls Make Games.
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Other noteworthy initiatives include game design courses, and workshops with women in gaming (from competitive pro-gamers like the Ladies of Fire N Ice, to professional voice actors like Ashly Burch).
The Design Challenge is open to any teens between the ages of 13 and 18 and no previous game design experience is required! All an interested person needs to do is fill out the entry form, and submit their game idea.
Last year’s winners got their ideas developed into actual games (that are now available in the Google Play store). Change the Game has revamped this year’s challenge to focus more on the actual development of games, rather than just ideas. If a game idea is selected, the winner will get to meet other “game changers” to discuss bringing their idea to life.
“Together, you’ll participate in an online development workshop hosted by our partner Girls Make Games,” Change the Game announced, “Throughout four sessions, you’ll get a crash course and hands-on experience turning your idea into a playable game.”
After the workshop, participants will receive a free “swag bag” that includes a new Google Chromebook.
Applications are open on a rolling basis until July 31st, with the first workshops beginning in June.
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