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Trócaire Game Changers. Create a game. Change the world.
Game Changers is a competition for young people who want to change the world and believe games are a way to do this.
Young people all over Ireland submit games based on one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Games can be a board game, card game or video game, and submitted in one of three categories: Primary, Post Primary, or Youth.
In the academic year 2020/21, Game Changers has expanded into a programme involving three key steps. See the Game Changers 2021 section below for more information on how to register for the programme.
For the academic year 2020/21, Game Changers is expanding into a fully online programme. There are three main steps to the programme:
Step One – CPD session for educators focusing on Games Based Learning and the Sustainable Development Goals
Step Two – Online student workshop focusing on games creation
Step Three – Sharing of game concepts with peers for feedback
Once all three steps are completed, young people enter their games into the 2021 competition, closing date 1 April 2021.
For more detailed information, please download the Game Changers information PDF below and to sign up to the programme email [email protected].
Game Changers information PDFDue to Covid-19, Game Changers 2020 was adapted to become a Home Challenge Competition. However, this did not stop the resourcefulness, ingenuity, and creativity of all the entries. Our Home Challenge saw original board games, card games and digital games submitted from young people of all ages, from all over Ireland.
The games explored the Sustainable Development Goals, including games focusing on climate action, peace and justice, good health and wellbeing and responsible consumption.
Each game was assessed by a judging panel on the following criteria: Understanding, Empathy, Innovation and Effort. The judges were impressed by the standard of knowledge, understanding and gameplay. We had five winning games from both the senior and junior categories, including individual and team entries.
The winners were:
Over 80 games were entered into the inaugural Game Changers competition in 2019. Board games, card games and online games were submitted from primary, post-primary and youth groups. These games explored themes such as human rights, the plight of refugees and the challenges of delivering aid to countries affected by poverty.
Each game was assessed by the judging panel on the following criteria: understanding, empathy, innovation and effort. Twenty-two games were shortlisted and showcased at the competition final, which took place in DCU on the 15th May 2019.
These 22 groups of young people and their teachers enjoyed a hugely energetic and colourful event. The judges were wowed by the standard of gameplay on show but the final say on who took home the title went to the entrants themselves. Each group voted for their favourite game. The winning game was announced as “Hunt for Human Rights”, a fantastic game created by Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan. Their prize was to present their game at the International Educational Games Competition in Denmark.
Download and play the Exploitation Game for four players aged 12+. This board game is based on the challenges communities face when trying to protect their land.
View ResourceLearn how to play The Exploitation Game Video by watching the video.
Watch the videoPlay the award-winning video game Project Honduras. This game is based on the experiences of communities who face the worst effects of climate change.
View ResourceDownload and play this board game for two-four players aged 9+. Help local people to fight for their rights and defend their land.
View Resource