GameUp Africa

Q: 5. What Should I Expect?

The game jam will have 2 phases Workshops and Training: From 9th – 13th Dec, we’ll have conversations on Games, Activism, Citizenship and Culture which will be facilitated by professionals from gaming, technology, politics, and communication. Learn about democratic decision-making, disinformation, deep fakes, the societal impact of new technologies, and the power of games to drive social change. Get your Game On: From 16th – 20th Dec you will collaborate online and in-person to develop innovative games that expose the dangers of disinformation and illustrate how to combat it.

Q: 7. Do I need to have a team to apply?

You don’t need a pre-formed team to apply. You can join the jam as an individual and team up with other participants on-site or virtually.

Jam for Democracy

The Future of Democracy is in Your Hands. Join the Jam!

About The Jam

Disinformation has become a critical issue in most African countries today, undermining trust in democratic institutions, spreading false information, and influencing public opinion through manipulated media. From election campaigns to social issues, disinformation campaigns can destabilize governance, create divisions, and erode the foundations of democracy.

This December we will be creating games that raise awareness, educate the public, and promote critical thinking, contributing to a more informed, resilient democratic society.

Who can Participate in this Game Jam?

We’re looking for the brightest talents aged 18–35 from Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana. Individuals and teams are welcome to join. You’ll be paired with like-minded creatives to complement your skills and ideas.

Gaming Enthusiasts

Passionate gamers eager to use their skills for positive change.

Civic Activists

Concerned citizens driven to combat disinformation through innovative means.

Aspiring Developers

Students and professionals looking to enhance their game development skills.

Creative Problem Solvers

Individuals seeking to address social issues through creative tech solutions.

What does the Game Jam offer?

We have exciting opportunities packed for you!

Workshops and Training

Gain insights into disinformation strategies and the latest game development techniques from industry experts.

Exclusive Community

Access the Game Jam’s dedicated Discord server for networking, collaboration, and support.

Post-Jam Development Support

The winning project receives three months of mentorship and publishing support from Maliyo Games, helping you refine your concept and bring it closer to release

Cash Prizes

Stand a chance to win recognition and cash awards for your game.

Timeline

Application (18th Nov - 4th Dec)

Submit your interest and game concept through our online application form.

Screening & Selection (2nd - 6th Dec)

Our team will review applications based on creativity, feasibility, and relevance to the theme.

Application (18th Nov - 1st Dec)

Submit your interest and game concept through our online application form.

Game Jam (16th - 20th Dec)

Dive into development, bringing your anti-disinformation game to life!

Post Game Jam Support (Feb - Apr 2025)

Top teams receive three months of mentorship to refine their games.

Join our Community

Be a part of the largest community game development professionals!

Connect, network and share ideas with a vibrant community of artists, engineers, designers, animators, UI/UX designers from across Africa and beyond.

Join Our Community

FAQs

1. Who Can Apply?

The GameUp Africa jam for Democracy is open to participants aged 18 to 35 in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. We are calling on all storytellers, game developers, artists, sound designers, and civic activists to come together and develop games that fight against disinformation.

2. What is the application process?

Fill out our online application form to express your interest in the game jam. Our team will review your application and we’ll be in touch to let you know about the next steps!

3. When is the application deadline?

Applications will close at midnight (GMT+01:00) on Wednesday, December 4th, 2024. We highly recommend applying early to avoid the last minute rush.

Click here to start your application today!

4. Where will the game jam be taking place?

The GameUp Africa jam for democracy is a hybrid game jam taking place in-person in Lagos, Nigeria, with virtual participation available for remote attendees.

5. What Should I Expect?

The game jam will have 2 phases

Workshops and Training: From 9th – 13th Dec, we’ll have conversations on Games, Activism, Citizenship and Culture which will be facilitated by professionals from gaming, technology, politics, and communication. Learn about democratic decision-making, disinformation, deep fakes, the societal impact of new technologies, and the power of games to drive social change.
Get your Game On: From 16th – 20th Dec you will collaborate online and in-person to develop innovative games that expose the dangers of disinformation and illustrate how to combat it.

6. How long will the game jam last?

The GameUp Africa jam for Democracy will last 2 weeks. We’ll kick off on December 9th and run through December 20th.

7. Do I need to have a team to apply?

You don’t need a pre-formed team to apply. You can join the jam as an individual and team up with other participants on-site or virtually.