In today’s digital age, disinformation poses a serious threat to communities and democratic values, with the intentional spread of false information eroding trust and disrupting society. To confront this issue, Maliyo Games is partnering with the  U.S. Consulate General Lagos and the Global Game Jam to host the Game Up Africa Jam for Democracy 2024. We are calling on all storytellers, game developers, artists, sound designers, and civic activists to come together and create games that counter disinformation, helping people recognize, resist, and respond to misleading content.

Open to participants aged 18 to 35 in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, this event aims to empower young creators and civic activists to use their skills for social impact. Whether you’re a seasoned game developer or someone with a passion for games and social change, Game Up Africa Jam for Democracy provides a platform to explore your creativity and make a difference. Don’t miss the opportunity to contribute to a more informed society—register here today to be part of this transformative experience.

Why You Should Participate in Game Up Africa Jam for Democracy

The spread of disinformation isn’t just an online problem; it’s a real-world issue that can weaken democratic processes, create confusion, and misinform the public. Game Up Africa Jam for Democracy provides a platform for creatives to use their skills to promote critical thinking and digital literacy. Here’s why you should be a part of this initiative:

• Innovate for Change: Join a movement that encourages innovative approaches to tackling real-world challenges. This is your chance to design engaging games that empower people to identify and counter disinformation.
• Learn from the Best: Benefit from expert-led workshops and masterclasses covering game development, storytelling, and strategies for countering disinformation. You’ll get hands-on training from professionals across fields including game development, media, government, and civil society.
• Collaborate and Network: Connect with like-minded individuals, mentors, and industry leaders who share your passion for gaming and social good. Build lifelong networks and gain valuable insights from experts who are shaping the future of digital content and democracy.
• Be Recognized: Showcase your talents and gain recognition. Top projects will receive cash prizes, and the winning team will have access to a three-month support program, including mentorship and resources to help refine and optimize their game for a potential release.

A Blend of Learning, Creativity, and Social Impact

The Game Jam is designed to provide a comprehensive experience that blends creativity, technical skills, and social awareness. Here’s the roadmap:

1. Registration (18th Nov – 4th Dec): Sign up individually or form a team. Participants will join the Game Jam’s Discord community for updates and collaboration opportunities.
2. Onboarding (9th Dec): Introduction to the event, its goals, rules, and resources. The theme will be unveiled, alongside judging criteria and submission guidelines.
3. Training Sessions (9th – 13th Dec): Workshops led by disinformation, digital strategy, and game development experts will deepen participants’ understanding of the theme while honing their game creation skills.
4. Game Development (14th – 20th Dec): Teams will have one week to create their game concepts, drawing on insights gained from training sessions. They’ll have access to mentors and resources to support their work.
5. Submission & Evaluation (20th Dec – Jan 10th ): A panel of judges will review the submitted games, with participants also evaluating each other’s work. Games will be judged on creativity, thematic relevance, innovation, and execution.
6. Winners Announcement (13th Jan): The best entries will be recognized, with awards and cash prizes for the top projects.
7. Post-Game Jam Support (Feb – Apr 2025): The winning game will receive additional support, including access to mentors, industry experts, and resources for game refinement and development.

Who Can Join Game Up Africa Jam for Democracy?

The Game Jam is open to anyone aged 18-35 across Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya who has a passion for game development, creativity, or digital advocacy. Participants may join individually or as part of a team and can come from diverse backgrounds—whether you’re a game developer, artist, writer, or someone interested in using digital tools to address social issues. No prior experience is required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and collaborate.

What You Can Expect: A Hybrid Format for Maximum Accessibility

Game Up Africa Jam for Democracy will be held in a hybrid format, with over 50% of activities conducted in person and the rest online, ensuring that all participants can fully engage regardless of location. 

The Goal: Mobilizing Games for Positive Change

Our objectives for this Game Jam extend beyond game creation. We aim to:

• Understand Disinformation: Learn how disinformation spreads and harms society, and explore its impact on democratic governance.
• Boost Game Design Skills: Enhance programming, designing and art production abilities. Access cutting-edge game development tools.
• Foster Collaboration: Connect with fellow developers, policymakers, and stakeholders. Build a network for future innovation.

A Vision for the Future

The impact of this initiative will extend beyond the Game Jam. By raising awareness, equipping participants with digital literacy skills, and fostering community empowerment, we aim to leave a lasting mark in society. The innovative games produced through this event will serve as educational tools that encourage critical thinking and challenge disinformation. The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable model where gaming and social advocacy intersect, contributing to a stronger democratic foundation for future generations.

The GameUp Africa Jam for Democracy is more than a call for game developers—it’s a call for changemakers. Whether you are a seasoned developer or a newcomer passionate about social change, this is your chance to make an impact. Together, we can create games that inform, engage, and inspire action against the threat of disinformation.

The fight against disinformation needs your voice, your creativity, and your skills. Don’t just stand on the sidelines; be a part of something bigger. Join the Game Up Africa Jam for Democracy and help shape a future where truth prevails and democracy thrives.

Register now at http://gameupafrica.com/democracy-jam and help shape a more informed society, one game at a time.