checkpoint 1 — games for good

About the challengeCheckpoint is a hackathon series for builders aged 13–18. Twice a year, we pick a theme, give you 48 hours, and see what you can make.This is Checkpoint 01, and the theme isGames For Good.Build a game that does something beyond entertaining. That might mean teaching a skill, raising awareness of an issue, making play accessible to someone usually left out, or supporting a real cause. It doesn't have to be serious or worthy, but it has to be good, and it has to beforsomething.Checkpoint 01 runs fromFriday 8 January to Sunday 10 January, 2027. It's free, fully online, and open to anyone aged 13–18 anywhere in the world.You do not need experience.Most people who turn up won't have finished a game before, and that's the normal starting point rather than a problem. There's a workshop on Saturday about scoping something you can actually finish, and people in the forums all weekend to help when you get stuck.Use any engine, any language, and as much AI as you want.A note:Checkpoint is fiscally sponsored by The Hack Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), with named adult advisors and a published code of conduct.Check out our websitehere!Get started1. Register here on Devpost.Free, takes a minute.2.Introduce yourself on the discussion board on Devpost.This is where everything actually happens: finding teammates, asking for help, sharing what you're building, and getting announcements. If you only do one thing before the event, do this one.3. Come to kickoff.Friday 8 January, 7:00 PM ICT via Google Meet. We'll walk through the theme, explain how judging works, and help people find teams in voice chat. It's recorded and posted within the hour if you can't make it live.4. Think about ideas beforehand - but don't build.Research your cause, learn your engine, read about the problem you want to tackle. All of that is encouraged. Just don't write code or make assets until kickoff.Not sure what to build?Some starting points:A game playable by someone who can't use a mouse, see the screen, or hear the audioA game built for a specific organisation, classroom, or community that needs oneA game that teaches something hard in a way that finally clicksA game that puts you inside an experience you'd otherwise never haveInterpret the theme loosely. If you can explain who it helps and how, it counts.SponsorsPlease email us atvdle@stu.dgs.org.vnto inquire about sponsorship for checkpoint 1. We accept cash, in-kind and any form of sponsorship.