The Games for Change Student Challenge

G4C Learn’s flagship program, the G4C Student Challenge, is an international game design competition inviting young people (ages 8 - 25) to create digital games inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The program uses youth interest in video games to empower them as change-makers and develop their future-ready skills including coding, digital design, collaboration, communication, problem solving, and systems thinking. The Student Challenge amplifies student voices, invites young people to imagine creative solutions to global problems, and enables them to see themselves as engaged citizens and changemakers.

Students laughing and drawing.
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About the Program

Since its launch in 2015, the Student Challenge provides professional development in game-based learning for educators, curriculum guides to open-source game-making platforms, in-school and after-school game-making courses, student game jams, mentorship and workshops led by game industry experts, and deep exploration into social impact themes with multimedia content provided by social impact focused partners. The program culminates in a game design competition through which students submit their original impact games and compete for prizes such as scholarships, technology, industry-related opportunities, and national recognition.

2026-27 Student Challenge Themes

Everyone Belongs Here

Everyone Belongs Here

Create a game that teaches players how to help others feel like they belong.
Everyone Belongs Here
Bounce Back

Bounce Back

Design a game where the player boosts the resilience of someone or something to help them bounce back from challenges.
Bounce Back

Host a Student Challenge Game Jam!

Give students the thrill of rapid game design, taking them from their first idea to a playable prototype in one exciting event. Run it as a stand-alone experience or integrate it into your existing activities. Check out our resources and explore funding opportunities to help you get started.

Student Arcade

Abyssward playable digital game

Abyssward

Abyssward is an underwater colony builder where players balance growth and resources while protecting fragile ocean ecosystems from environmental risks.
Abyssward
The Last Drop Cafe playable digital game

The Last Drop Cafe

In The Last Drop Cafe, you have 7 days to restore a bleached reef by serving customers, completing orders, and investing in real-world ecological upgrades.
The Last Drop Cafe
Digital Road Safety game screenshot

Digital Road Safety

Digital Road Safety is a series of games designed in partnership with road safety experts to provide you and your students with an interactive way to explore road safety.
Digital Road Safety

Upcoming Events

March 30, 2027
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March 30, 2027

2026-27 G4C Student Challenge

Calling all educators and young creators ages 8-25! Sign up for the 2026-2027 Student Challenge today and be part of a new year of game design and social impact.
2026-27 G4C Student Challenge
November 7, 2026
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November 7, 2026

Next-Gen Summit with ASU Prep @ ASU MIX Center & Endless Lab

The Next-Gen Summit at ASU is designed to inspire the next generation of game creators by giving students direct access to industry professionals, emerging technologies, hands-on game development experiences, and ASU students who are pursuing their own pathways in games and technology.
Next-Gen Summit with ASU Prep @ ASU MIX Center & Endless Lab

Sign up for the G4C Learn Newsletter for Student Challenge Updates

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