JSG LEARNING GAME JAM
Hosted by Bridget Wanjiru Wachira
Oct 5, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
JSG LEARNING GAME JAM Learn. Create. Compete. Build Your Future in Games. She Code Africa, in collaboration with Jiwe.io and Games for Change Africa, brings you the JSG Learning Game Jam, a hands-on learning and game development experience designed to help aspiring game developers take their first steps into the gaming industry. Are you a university student or a recent graduate (within the last 2 years) passionate about games and curious about what it takes to build one? This is your chance to learn, create, collaborate, and experience game development before stepping into the industry. WHAT TO EXPECT The program combines structured mentorship + hands-on learning + a 2-week game jam, allowing participants to transform their ideas into playable games. LEARN FROM INDUSTRY-FOCUSED MENTORSHIP Throughout the mentorship period, participants will follow a structured learning program supported by the Jiwe.io team, covering key areas of game development: Narrative design -ART 3D and 2D -Game mechanics -Audio Visual Engineering -Publishing and Monetization You won't just learn about making games; you'll explore the different skills, disciplines, and business considerations that come together to create engaging game experiences. THEN... IT'S GAME JAM TIME! After completing the mentorship program, participants will put their new skills to the test in an intensive 2-week Game Jam. A surprise theme will be revealed at the start of the jam. From there, it's up to you and your team to imagine, design, build, and bring your game to life. HOW WILL GAMES BE JUDGED? Games will be evaluated based on: 💡 Creativity 🚀 Innovation 🌟 Originality 🎮 Fun & Playability WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE JAM? The journey doesn't end when the game jam does. The Top 5 Games will have the opportunity to progress into an incubation period under Games for Change Africa, allowing selected teams to further develop and explore the potential of their games. PROGRAMME TIMELINE Applications: 16 September – 1 October 2026 Deadline: 1 October 2026 11:59 PM Mentorship: 5 October – 28 November 2026 Game Jam: 29 November – 12 December 2026 Judging: 13 December 2026 - 17 December 2026 Winner announcement: 18 December 2026 WHO SHOULD APPLY? This program is for: - University students interested in game development - Graduates who completed their studies within the last 2 years - Aspiring game developers looking to gain practical experience - Creatives interested in storytelling, art, design, sound, or game development - Anyone excited to learn, collaborate, and build games You don't have to be an expert. You just need the curiosity to learn and the passion to create. READY TO BUILD YOUR FIRST GAME? Come prepared to learn, experiment, have fun, meet fellow creators, and explore your future in the game industry. Your first game could be the beginning of something bigger. LEARN. CREATE. COMPETE. GROW. Applications open on 16 September 2026.
