HACK CLUB'S BEGINNER FRIENDLY GAME JAM
NOVEMBER 23-24, 2024, IN 100+ CITIES
Make games, meet cool people
Counterspell is a beginner friendly game jam for high schoolers happening in 100+ cities simultaneously where artists, musicians, and coders get together to build apps and games.
Build whatever you want!
Any game counts! The theme for Counterspell will be decided through peer voting before the event starts.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced in programming- we’ll have workshops, resources and mentors throughout the 24 hours to help you with your project.
Artist, Musician or Coder?
Join one of three guilds when you sign up!
You can join the guild you identify with for exclusive swag and badges! You also get to compete against other guilds in friendly activities/challenges throughout Counterspell!
How does a game jam work?
Sign up for a Counterspell Event in your city
Find a team of other teenagers at Counterspell
Start building your game (no experience needed)
Attend workshops, or talk to one of our mentors for help
Ship what you made and share it with the rest of the world!
Most Counterspell events will go on for 24 hours (unless explicitly stated)
Here's a rough schedule so you know what to expect!
Doors open
11:00 AM
Opening ceremony
12:00 PM
Lunch
12:30 PM
Start working on your game!
1:00 PM
Gamedev workshop 1
2:00 PM
Activity 1
4:00 PM
Gamedev workshop 2
4:00 PM
Dinner
6:00 PM
Lightning talks
8:00 PM
Midnight surprise
12:00 AM
Breakfast
8:00 AM
Game demos!
10:30 AM
Closing ceremony
12:00 PM
It's happening all around you
Boston, MA
New York City, NY
Ottawa, ON
Basking Ridge, NJ
Austin, TX
San Francisco, CA
Burlington, VT
Oshkosh, WI
Counterspell is organized by teenagers, for teenagers.
See a city near you on the map? Sign up here!
FAQ
Am I eligible to sign up?
If you're 18 or under, yes, we are so excited to see you! If you're over 18 but still in high school, shoot us an email at counterspell@hackclub.com.
Does participating cost anything?
It's entirely free! We'll have meals, snacks, and beverages onsite at the hackathon, as well as swag, prizes, and fun mini-events.
What has Hack Club done before?
We have run multiple events around the world. The summer of '21, we chartered a train across America and ran the world's longest hackathon on land. Last year, we ran an outdoors do-it-yourself camping adventure in Cabot, Vermont.
I'm not good at coding, can I join?
This hackathon is for hackers of all skill levels! We'll have workshops and other events so join us and let's learn together. If you'd like to start exploring some introductory projects, check out Hack Club Workshops.
What can I make at Counterspell?
At Counterspell, we're building video games of all kinds! The theme will be revealed at the start of the hackathon.
What do I need to bring to Counterspell?
Your laptop, charger, and an open mind! If your location is overnight, also bring toiletries, and a sleeping bag.
My parents are worried!
We're here to help! Ask them to reach out to us at counterspell@hackclub.com and we'll make sure to answer all their questions!
How can I reach out for more questions?
Contact us! Reach out at #counterspell on the Hack Club Slack or email us at counterspell@hackclub.com. We're always ready to answer all your questions!
Built with love by teenagers, for teenagers at Hack Club