Coder Dojo and the US Embassy launch a coding competition for 10 to 18 year olds

This is Not a Game is a video game challenge for students with an aim. The goal is to use the fun and popularity of games to raise awareness of Marine issues like overfishing, ocean pollution and ocean acidification.

The challenge is being organised by CoderDojo, the U.S. Embassy, and third-level educational institutions including Griffith College. The first of a series of local launch workshops will be in Dublin on September 13 and will include talks and hands-on training by industry leaders and experts aimed at equipping aspiring game makers with the skill and knowledge to start creating their own video games.

The competition is open to ten to eighteen year olds with an interest in any aspect of game making. The ocean-themed competition challenges secondary school students to create a game that allows others to “learn by playing” about current dangers to our ocean ecosystem.

Finalists will get to showcase their games at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, receive mentorship from industry professionals, and get a chance to have their games played by thousands of gamers.

Workshops will take place throughout September and October and if you are interested in taking part you can register here.