CodeWarriors - game jam
📍 Bungendore Game Jam
📅 July 6–7
👉 Learn more
CodeWarriors STEM Game Jam Series
Design and create a video game in two days
The CodeWarriors STEM Game Jam Series invites students to design and create original video games in a fast-paced two-day creative event, during the Winter school holidays.
The Game Jam is designed to help students design and build a working prototype for the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge, a national competition encouraging students to create original video games inspired by science and technology.
Students work with experienced mentors who guide teams through the key stages of game development — brainstorming ideas, planning gameplay, building prototypes, and testing with other teams. The goal is not just to code, but to experience how real game developers collaborate to turn an idea into a playable game.
What is a Game Jam?
A game jam is a short creative event where small teams rapidly design and build a video game around a theme.
Students collaborate to explore ideas, write code, create artwork and test gameplay — producing a playable prototype by the end of the event.
Experienced mentors guide teams throughout the event.
Insights from game creators
During the Game Jam, students will also hear short insights from people involved in game development. These sessions introduce aspects of game creation such as audio design, visual art and programming techniques, helping teams think about how their own games can improve.
Winter Game Jam Series 2026 - STEM Game Jams
Students may attend either event — or even both — and continue developing their game between jams.
The CodeWarriors pathway
Many students first learn coding through our CodeWarriors Code Camps.
Game Jams are the next step — giving students a chance to apply those skills in a small team, to design and build their own creative game ideas.
Students who wish to continue developing their games may later join our mentored Game Foundry teams.
FAQ
What is a Game Jam?
A game jam is a short creative event where small teams design and build a video game around a shared theme. During the CodeWarriors STEM Game Jam, students collaborate to design a game around a common theme, and build a playable game prototype in two days.
Does my child need coding experience?
The Game Jam is designed for students who already have some experience with coding or digital creation.
Many participants will have previously attended a CodeWarriors Code Camp, or have experience with platforms such as Python or the Godot game engine.
However, game teams often include a mix of roles such as coding, digital art and game design. Students who enjoy illustration, sprite art, animation or game design are also very welcome to participate and contribute their creative skills.
The event is not designed for complete beginners.
Do students work alone or in teams?
Students usually work in teams of 2–3 participants.
Teams may register for the Game Jam together, or students can form teams during the event. Working in teams allows students to combine coding, game design and creative ideas.
Can my child join with friends or form a team beforehand?
Yes. Students are welcome to register with friends and form a team in advance.
Most teams work best with 2–3 students, though some students may also work independently if they prefer.
Students who register individually will have the opportunity to form a team on day 1, and mentors will help ensure everyone finds a group where they feel comfortable contributing.
Teams may also include a mix of in-person and online participants, allowing friends to collaborate even if they are attending from different locations.
What software will students use?
Teams build their games using the Godot game engine, a modern open-source platform widely used for learning game development.
Students who have attended a CodeWarriors camp will already be familiar with this environment.
How does the Game Jam connect to the STEM Video Game Challenge?
The Game Jam is designed to help students start building a real project for the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge.
Students can submit their game to the national competition at the end of the 2-day Game Jam. It is expected that most teams will prefer to continue developing and polishing their game, and submit it for judging some time later, but before the deadline in early September.
During the Game Jam we will walk the teams through the submission process so that they are familiar with how to submit and competition requirements
Can my child join the Game Jam online? What will the online experience be like?
Yes. Students are welcome to participate remotely, and a reduced-price online attendance option is available.
We encourage students to attend in person where possible, as the experience is more immersive and makes team collaboration easier across the two days. However, we know that travel and schedules can sometimes make this difficult, and we want the Game Jam to be accessible to students across NSW and the ACT.
Students joining online remain connected to the Game Jam video call for most of the day. They will:
- watch and participate in all guided sessions
- collaborate with their team in breakout rooms
- receive support from mentors during development time
Teams can also be mixed, with some members attending in person and others joining remotely.
When registering, simply select Online attendance, or choose the Hybrid option if attending one day in person and one day online.
What happens after the Game Jam?
Some teams may choose to submit their game to the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge at the end of the two-day Game Jam.
However, many teams will continue developing and polishing their game after the event, and submit their project later, any time before the competition deadline in early September.
During the Game Jam we guide teams through the competition requirements and submission process, so they understand how to prepare their project for judging.
After the event, teams are welcome to contact us with questions as they continue refining their game and preparing their submission.
Students who want more structured support may also join a CodeWarriors Game Foundry mentoring group during the school term, where they can continue developing their project with guidance from mentors.
Further questions? contact us
