Dawn of the Devs: Full Sail High School Game Jam
Level up your game development skills in just one day! Bring a team (or join one) of like-minded students to design, build, and showcase your own playable game in Unreal Engine. No experience? No problem. Mentors and tutorials have you covered.
Jump To:
• About the Game Jam
• Event Schedule & Prizes
• Parents & Educators
• Eligibility
• FAQs
Saturday, October 17
Time:
8:30 AM Check-In
Game Jam runs from 9 AM–9 PM
Location:
Building 3B Lobby
175 University Park Dr
Winter Park, FL
Cost: Free
About the Game Jam
- Hands-On Game Jam: Build your own game from scratch in just 12 hours
- Theme Reveal: Be the first to tackle the surprise theme at kickoff
- Mentorship: Learn from Full Sail instructors & alumni.
- Awards & Recognition: Show off your game to industry pros and win prizes/scholarships.
Why Attend?:
What You’ll Do:
- Brainstorm, design, and build a playable game in Unreal Engine
- Collaborate in teams and learn by doing
- Gain real-world skills in coding, design, teamwork, and creative problem-solving
What to Bring:
- No gear necessary! We have you covered with all the necessary tools and fuel.
- Creativity, enthusiasm, and team spirit
Event Schedule & Prizes
Event Schedule:
- 8:30 AM: Check-In at Building 3B Lobby
- 9:30 AM: Kickoff & Theme Reveal
- 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM: Game Development
- 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Judge Playtesting
- 8:30 PM: Awards Ceremony
- 9:00 PM: Event Ends
Meals & Snacks:
- Lunch and dinner provided for game jam participants only
- Snacks and drinks available throughout the day
- Note: Be sure to eat before you arrive so you’ll have enough energy to power through until lunch is served
Prizes:
1st Place:
Quest 3S VR Headset
Scholarships: $5k each
2nd Place:
SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 Keyboard
Scholarships: $2.5k each
3rd Place:
$50 Steam Gift Card
Scholarships: $1k each
Parents & Educators:
- Campus Tours: 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM
- Parent Panel: 7 PM session on creative tech programs, admissions, and career paths
- Awards Ceremony: Celebrate student games at 8:30 PM
Parents/guardians must complete a waiver upon check-in for their student if they are under 18 years old and provide an emergency contact in order to attend.
Please call 800.226.7625 or email [email protected] to speak to an Admissions Representative if you have any questions or concerns.
Eligibility
Who Can Attend?
- High school students or recent graduates
- Form a team with friends or get matched with others on-site
- Parents and teachers are welcome for tours and panels
Important:
Parents/guardians must complete a waiver for their student and provide an emergency contact in order to attend
Deadline:
Register by October 17 (Walk-ins accepted until 9:30 AM on event day)
FAQs
Do I need prior experience?
Not at all. Tutorials will be provided before the event to help you get started in Unreal Engine, and on-site mentors will guide you through coding, design, and troubleshooting. Everyone is welcome, from complete beginners to more experienced students.
Please call 800.226.7625 or email [email protected] to speak to an Admissions Representative if you have any questions or concerns.
Can I bring my own team?
Yes! Teams of 3–4 students are encouraged. If you don’t have a team, you’ll be placed in one at the event so you can collaborate with other participants.
Will software and equipment be provided?
All equipment and software will be provided by us!
Where is check-in?
All students should check in at Building 3B Lobby starting at 8:30 AM.
Can I keep working on my game after the event?
Yes! We will provide flash drives so you can save your project and continue building after the jam.
Is transportation included?
No, students are responsible for arranging their own transportation and housing.
Who are the judges?
A panel of industry professionals, which may include experienced Full Sail instructors, alumni, or other game developers, will review each game, provide feedback, and select the winners.
Are parents required to provide anything?
Yes, parents or guardians must complete a waiver in person for their student and provide an emergency contact if their student is under 18 years old. This ensures every participant can safely join the event.
Ready to build your first game in a single day? Join Dawn of the Devs and level up your skills! Register Now