The AbleGamers Foundation is partnering up with Train Jam to help game developers with disabilities attend the annual mobile game jam.
Through the partnership, AbleGamers plans to cover costs for three developers looking to join Train Jam on its cross-country journey to GDC in San Francisco next March.
Those chosen will receive an all-expense paid trip on the Train Jam train, along with access to additional support or accommodations such as access to an ASL interpreter, service animal accommodations, wheelchair accessibility, and, if needed, a caretaker or family member pass for the trip. Following the train’s arrival in San Francisco, AbleGamers will also provide those three developers with All Access passes to GDC 2018.
“AbleGamers is proud to offer support of future game developers with disabilities through the wonderful Train Jam event,” said AbleGamers COO Steven Spohn. “It’s so difficult for developers with disabilities to find employment and growth opportunities in the video game industry. Sponsoring three talented, next generation developers with the opportunity to get an extra edge at a bright future is one of our favorite initiatives.”
Train Jam itself is a game jam event hosted during a 52-hour train ride between Chicago and San Francisco. Founded by Adriel Wallick in 2013, the event tasks developers with forming teams and creating games to fit the jam’s theme while en route to the Game Developers Conference. This year, the train departs Chicago on March 15 and arrives in San Francisco on March 17.
Game developers with disabilities have until December 3 to apply for the sponsorship opportunity through AbleGamers’ website.
Gamasutra and GDC are sibling organizations under parent UBM Americas.
Read more about:
2017