Endless and Games for Change Launch the STEM Your Game Challenge

Playing video games is often viewed as an entertaining hobby, but what if truly entertaining games could also educate kids on STEM topics?

This passion inspires Endless Network to work with Games for Change (G4C) as they envision a revamped educational landscape, one where gaming for entertainment is also educational, one where fun and education overlap. In this world, game designers and education experts would collaborate to modify an already exciting game that appeals to middle school students and teaches them STEM principles.

And now G4C is ready to make that vision a reality: on Monday, in partnership with Endless, G4C launched the STEM Your Game Challenge, which calls for submissions of entertainment-based games from global game design teams. The selected development teams will work with experts to transform their games into STEM-focused learning experiences that inspire middle-school science students and engage them in exciting content. Since 2004, G4C has inspired and empowered game creators to drive real-world change with media that educates and inspires users to be change-makers in their communities

The challenge couldn’t come at a better time: with the pandemic changing the landscape of remote learning opportunities, teachers have more pressure to find captivating content that is not only educational, but also enjoyable enough to compete with all the other online content students can access. “Learning games offer a perfect solution for independent, project-based learning, and provide an invaluable tool for teaching students STEM skills. There remains a dearth of high-quality digital games that successfully engage youth as entertainment products while also delivering enriching STEM learning experiences,” said Susanna Pollack, President of Games for Change.

The STEM Your Game Challenge is open to all game developers with a partially or fully completed entertainment-based game for middle schoolers that has potential to incorporate STEM-related topics. Each submission will be rigorously evaluated, after which up to three finalists will be selected and invited to participate in a five-month implementation phase. The selected teams will have up to $150,000 each and access to education experts to support the development process of retooling or redeveloping their current game for STEM learning purposes. Finalists will present their games at the 2021 Games for Change Festival, the largest industry-focused gaming event in New York City.

We know that games can change kids’ lives with educational and inspirational content that encourages curiosity, increases autonomy and teaches hard skills like coding and geometry. Now’s your chance to propose the game idea you’ve had in the back of your head and join the field that’s changing the shape of 21st Century STEM education for middle-school students globally. Submit your game here: bit.ly/STEMYourGame.