2026 Scratch Game Jam at Giraffe Learning Center

Hello everyone,

Giraffe Learning Center and Game Devs Interactive are excited to host our 2026 Scratch Game Jam, a three-session competition where students will design, code, test, and present an original game using the Scratch game engine.

Unlike a traditional coding class where everyone follows the same project, students will have the freedom to develop their own game concept and make their own decisions about gameplay, art, programming, and design, much like a hackathon. The goal is to give students an opportunity to apply their coding skills creatively while experiencing what it is like to develop a game under a deadline and collaborate within development constraints.

Although students may bring their own computers, devices will also be provided for development during the event.

Schedule

Session 1 — October 2 | 4:00–6:30 PM
Team Formation + Game Development

The first 30 minutes will be used to introduce the Game Jam, explain the competition rules, and form teams. Teams will be organized by the instructors to create balanced groups and give students an opportunity to work with new people.

Students who strongly prefer to work independently may create a solo entry, although working in a team is highly encouraged.

After teams are formed, students will brainstorm their game ideas and begin development.

Session 2 — October 9 | 4:30–6:30 PM
Game Development + Playtesting

Students will have the full session to continue coding their games, add features, troubleshoot problems, playtest, and polish their final submissions. All coding must be completed by the end of this session.

Session 3 — October 16 | 5:00–6:30 PM
Game Showcase + Judging + Awards Ceremony

Students will present their completed games, play one another’s projects, and explain the ideas and programming behind what they created. Games will then be judged, and the Game Jam will conclude with an awards ceremony. Parents are encouraged to attend.

Competition Rules

Students will be automatically placed in a team of approximately 3–4 students. If a student would like to work independently, a parent must email gamedevsinteractive@gmail.com before the Game Jam begins on October 2.

All games must be created in Scratch during the Game Jam. Students may use Scratch’s built-in sprites, sounds, and backgrounds, or they may design their own.

Each submission must be an original, playable game created by the student or team. Instructors will be available to answer questions and help students understand programming concepts, but instructors will not build games for participants.

Every member of a team is expected to contribute. Students may divide responsibilities based on their interests, including programming, game design, artwork, animation, sound, testing, and debugging. Students who repeatedly refuse to cooperate with their team or disrupt the event may be removed from the Game Jam.

Games must be appropriate for all audiences. Development will officially end when time is called at the conclusion of Session 2.

Awards

There will be three Game Jam awards:

Grand Prize: Best Overall Game

Awarded to the strongest overall game based on programming, creativity, gameplay, design, and execution.

The Grand Prize entry will receive:

• $50 Nintendo eShop Gift Card
• Grand Prize Trophy
• Certificate of Excellence in Computational Literacy & Game Design

Most Creative Game

Awarded to the entry with the most original concept, mechanics, theme, or art.

Winners receive:

• Mini Trophy
• Certificate of Excellence in Computational Literacy & Game Design

Best Technical Achievement

Awarded for particularly impressive programming, problem-solving, game mechanics, or use of Scratch.

Winners receive:

• Mini Trophy
• Certificate of Excellence in Computational Literacy & Game Design

Registration

Registration Fee: $15 per student

Students register individually and do not need to have a team before registering. Teams will be formed at the beginning of the first session. Students may also choose to compete independently if requested before the event.

No prior Scratch experience is required, although students should come ready to create, experiment, collaborate, and solve problems.

Dates: October 2, October 9, and October 16, 2026
Game Development Sessions: October 2 and October 9
Final Showcase & Awards Ceremony: October 16

Registrate early by contacting Giraffe Learning Center through email or call: giraffelearning.com/

Best,
Arya Sharma
Founder, Game Devs Interactive
Founder of Game Devs Interactive
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