CodeWarriors STEM Game Jam - Bungendore#
Build a video game in two days#
📍 Bungendore
📅 July 6–7, 2026
🕘 9:00am – 4:00pm each day
👩💻 Years 4–9
Students work in small teams to design and create a playable video game from scratch in just two days — combining coding, digital art, game design and creative storytelling, inspired by the theme “Oceans”.
The event is designed for students who already have some experience with coding or digital creation and want to take the next step — building their own game ideas as part of a small team.
Games created during the jam can be developed and polished further and then entered in the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge, a national competition encouraging students to design original video games.
Participants may attend one day or both days, either in person or online. Students are encouraged to attend both days so their team has enough time to build and refine their game.
Morning tea and lunch are provided on both days.
What is a Game Jam?#
A game jam is a short creative event where small teams design and build a game around a theme.
At the CodeWarriors Game Jam, students will:
1️⃣ Form small teams
2️⃣ Explore game ideas inspired by the theme “Oceans”
3️⃣ Build a playable prototype using the Godot game engine
4️⃣ Test and play each other’s games
Mentors are available throughout the event to help teams solve technical problems and improve their designs.
Who this Game Jam is for?#
This event is ideal for students who:
- have previously attended a CodeWarriors camp, or
- have some experience with coding or digital creation, and
- enjoy solving problems and creating their own ideas.
Game teams often include a mix of roles such as coding, digital art, game design and testing. Students who enjoy illustration, sprite art, UI design or animation are also very welcome to participate and contribute their creative skills.
Because teams are building real games, the event is not designed for complete beginners.
How teams work#
Students typically work in teams of 2–3 participants.
Teams may:
- register together, or
- form during the event.
Each team usually chooses a Lead to help coordinate development, while other members contribute through coding, digital art, game design and gameplay testing.
This collaborative approach mirrors how real game development teams work.
Equipment#
Participants should bring:
- a laptop capable of running the Godot game engine
- charger and mouse
- headphones (recommended)
Students who previously purchased a Raspberry Pi 5 kit for a Code Camp are welcome to use it.
Loan devices are not available for this event.
- Please advise any dietary requirements during registration.
AI Tools#
Students may experiment with modern creative tools such as AI coding assistants or image generators during the Game Jam.
However, the goal of the event is for students to design and build their own original work. Teams are encouraged to create their own gameplay ideas, code and artwork assets wherever possible.
The Australian STEM Video Game Challenge also requires teams to clearly document any use of AI tools in their projects. During the Game Jam we will explain these guidelines and help teams understand how to use AI responsibly in creative work.
Event Format#
Students may join:
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | $80 |
| Day 2 | $80 |
| Both days | $150 |
Online participation is also available for students who wish to collaborate remotely with other participants.
Optional development pathway#
Some teams may choose to continue developing their game after the jam.
Possible next steps include:
- continuing development and polish at home
- joining a CodeWarriors Game Foundry mentored group during a school term
- joining the Sydney Game Jam to polish their game
Games may then be submitted to the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge.
⚠️ Entries to the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge must be submitted by early September. Please check the official site for the exact deadline.
Sydney Game Jam#
This Game Jam is part of the CodeWarriors STEM Game Jam Series
A second CodeWarriors STEM Game Jam will be held during the same July school holidays in Sydney Hills District.
Students are welcome to attend either event, or even both.
👉 Learn more about the Sydney Game Jam
Location#
Bungendore Venue details will be provided after registration.
Register#
Spaces are limited to keep teams small and ensure mentors can support each group.
👉 Register for the Bungendore Game Jam
Have questions? Feel free to contact us before signing up.
