I’m new to game jams and hackathons – how does this work?

Traditional hackathons (like our #SheHacks program!) are about solving a problem in a very short timeframe – identifying a need, then creating a solution using technology.

Often they are held over a day, or over a weekend. Every team has a particular blend of skills that are necessary for success – we usually call them hackers (coding & tech legends), hipsters (design and user experience), and hustlers (team management & operational concerns like marketing, research, business plan etc).

#SheHacksGames is based around the same format except you’re creating a game! You’ll arrive with no idea what you’ll be creating or who your team members will be (unless you’ve bought a Team pass), and you’ll still have a mix of skills but this time it’ll be programmers, artists and producers. Details of each type are below if you’re unsure which one you fit into. We’ll keep you well fed with healthy brain food over the whole weekend, and they’ll be industry mentors popping in to answer questions and offer support. And when it’s all done there’s a party to celebrate your achievements… and of course play the games we’ve created! And on a final note – we love newbies! At every hackathon we host the most common questions come from nervous newbies who are worried about their skills. We promise that while the weekend will be challenging and fast paced, you’ll quickly realise that there is plenty you can offer your team regardless of your tech ability.