HBCU Game Jam

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Where Creativity Meets Code

The HBCU Game Jam is an opportunity for HBCU students to apply their theoretical CS and design knowledge as they compete to build their own video games, learn directly from community and industry partners through skill-based workshops, and connect with industry representatives to learn about the many career pathways into tech/gaming. Partners will have an opportunity to strategically position their corporate brand and offerings to the next generation of HBCU tech talent. For more information, please contact Professor Jerry Volcy, Ph.D., at jvolcy@spelman.edu.

Game Design and Development Minor

Aspiring Game Developers and Designers

The Spelman Innovation Team is excited to invite HBCU students from all over the country to apply for the 2026 HBCU Game Jam. During this hackathon, you will compete by building your own video games to win industry-sponsored prizes! This beginner-friendly competition will introduce students to the game development process. Whether you are new to this or true to this, you are welcome to come learn, compete, and have fun!

Faculty Chaperons
To participate in the HBCU Game Jam, all participants outside of the Atlanta University Center must have a designated faculty chaperone. This individual will be responsible for providing guidance, support, transportation, and ensuring that participants adhere to all rules and regulations. Please ensure that you have secured an advisor before submitting your application. Faculty Chaperones are asked to complete the team registration form. Once the team has been registered, students will be asked to register individually.

Contact Info

Spelman College Department of Art & Visual Culture

350 Spelman Lane SW, Box 331
Atlanta, GA 30314

404-270-5455
elissagraddy@spelman.edu

Mon. – Fri. | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

HBCU Game Jam 2026

The HBCU Game Jam is a weekend hackathon where students compete to build their own video games and win industry-sponsored prizes! This beginner-friendly competition introduces students to the game development process. The HBCU Game Jam lasted 24 hours and included a Game Development Day Conference. As a 24-hour competition held at the Spelman Center for Innovation and the Arts, participants spent the full duration on-site, many pulling an all-nighter and bringing sleeping bags.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to know how to code or make games to attend?

You do not need to know how to make games or code! This is a beginner-friendly event for all HBCU students, regardless of major or classification. There will be workshops and mentors to teach you everything you need to know about making games from scratch.

What is a hackathon?

A hackathon is an event where people engage in rapid, collaborative engineering over a relatively short period (24 or 48 hours). As this is a 24-hour competition, expect to pull an all-nighter at the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library. You read that right - you will be spending 24 hours at this event, so bring your sleeping bags! Please note that, for security reasons, students who leave during the competition will not be allowed back inside.

What are we competing for?

Our amazing industry sponsors have some amazing prizes to celebrate the top video games created during the hackathon. Prizes will be announced at the hackathon. (But trust us, they are good!).

Can I bring a friend?

As long as they are a current HBCU student, absolutely! Whether they know anything about game development or not, bring them! You will be competing in student teams of up to 4 people. If you don't have a team, do not worry! Individual students will have an opportunity to form teams during the hackathon.

Location?

The HBCU Game Jam will take place at the Robert W. Woodruff Library in the Atlanta University Center.

Apply Here

Please complete an application to be considered for the HBCU Game Jam. Accepted students will be notified on a rolling basis. Admission to the game jam will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

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