Games for Change announced the launch of the Diverse Voices, New Stories Challenge. A program that aims to improve representation and increase visibility for underrepresented creators in the mobile gaming industry. Creators around the world compete for the grand prize, which includes funding, mentorship, and various marketing and promotional opportunities.
Game developers worldwide have until February 21, 2024 to submit completed or beta versions of Android mobile games that have been released into the mobile market or have an upcoming expected release date in 2024. Submissions will then be reviewed by a panel of industry experts in a three-phase jury process, and evaluated in four key areas: impact, innovation, gameplay and overall proposal.
Significant impact
Eventually one team will be selected to receive financial and capacity-building resources, including $10,000, gaming peripherals, mentorship, and marketing and promotional support to launch the game in the Google Play store. The winning game will be showcased at the annual Games for Change Festival in New York City in Summer 2024.
Susanna Pollack, President of Games for Change, emphasizes the significant impact that games can have on society. “People recognise the value that playing games can have in terms of providing a platform for social gathering, improving critical thinking skills, promoting cognitive functions and more. Through initiatives like the DVNS challenge, we’re able to surface games and experiences that bring the world together and that promote a deeper understanding about other cultures and perspectives of different people from around the world.”
The Diverse Voices, New Stories Challenge is an initiative of Games for Change, together with HP and Google Play and was announced at the Games for Change Africa Festival.
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