About the Contest

What is the 'Life.Love. Game Design Challenge'?

The Life.Love. Game Design Challenge is an annual contest open to game designers and game developers around the world. Designers and developers are invited to create their own video game to prevent teen dating violence.

Why is Jennifer Ann's Group doing this contest?

Abusive relationships are a problem affecting young (and not-so-young) people around the world. We are a non-profit organization that has been working to prevent teen dating violence since 2006. In 2008 we thought it might be interesting to see if video game designers could create serious games about the isssue of teen dating violence in order to help increase awareness about this serious public health issue.

At the time we didn't realize how powerful video games can be when it comes to addressing serious issues like dating abuse; we now know that digital games are fantastic tools for engaging people in uniquely compelling ways: players can more easily understand complex, nuanced issues; players become invested and engaged in the success of the game's outcome; and players can safely explore and experience otherwise dangerous situations in context.

Every year since 2008 we have presented this annual game design competition encouraging developers to create video games about teeen dating violence. This year we felt that there was a strong need to address the issue of "consent" and that is the reason that for the first time ever we are going with a different theme. We believe that consent is a basic - but important - legal concept that everybody needs to understand. Our hope is that through video games people around the world will have a much better appreciation of an important concept which at first seems complicated but once broken down into its elements is actually very straightforward.

Entry Information

How do I get started?

Check out the instructions on the How the Contest Works page and be sure to Register and send us your entry before the deadline.

Who is allowed to enter?

Anybody aged 13+ at the time of entry is eligible to enter (void where prohibited). Officers, employees, and immediate family members of Jennifer Ann's Group are prohibited from entering the video game design challenge.

Can I enter more than once?

Sorry, but no. Make sure and enter your best game because you only get one chance to enter each year!

What are the technical requirements?

Round One of the contest only requires submitting the text of your proposed game narrative. If you are selected as a Finalist you will receive all necessary information to proceed, including the technical requirements for your final video game entry.

What are the content requirements?

The Round One form will provide you with specific requirements regarding content. As with all of our game design contests, no violent content is permitted.

How long do I have to enter?

Round One is only open from February 15, 2017 through February 28 March 15, 2017 so don't delay! The Finalists will be notified in March and will then have until June 1, 2017 to submit their final video games.

Do you accept group entries?

Yes - please just identify a primary contact person on the Round One submission form.

Where can I learn more about consent?

Information is available on our About Consent page.

Judging and Selection Process

What criteria will be used for judging?

Round One of the contest will be judged based on the creativity of your proposed game narrative and the potential for that idea to be developed into a compelling video game which will both help explain and encourage adoption of consent.

Judging details and scoring rubric for the Final Round will be distributed to all Finalists at the time that they are notified of their Finalist status.