FAQs - Gaslight Game Challenge
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?
Dating abuse is a problem affecting people of all ages around the world. We are a non-profit organization that has been working to prevent teen dating violence in memory of Jennifer Ann Crecente, a high school senior killed by her ex-boyfriend in 2006. Jennifer Ann's Group was founded by Jen's dad.
Although we have traditional outreach programs we considered how we could leverage technology to better reach and help young people about this serious issue. Given the popularity of video games -- especially among young people -- we thought it might be interesting to see if video game designers could create serious games about teen dating violence in order to increase awareness and provide educational information about this serious public health issue. In 2008 we launched the first annual Life.Love. Game Design Challenge.
At the time we didn't realize how powerful video games can be at addressing serious issues like dating abuse. We now know - in part through our own research and third-party researchers - that digital games are fantastic tools for engaging people in uniquely compelling ways. This is due in part because through digital games: players 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 related to abusive relationships. Our hope is that through video games people around the world will gain a better understanding of - and be less accepting of - dating abuse.
What else can you tell me about the games that have come from this program?
Thanks for asking! Here is some more info:
# of games produced since 2008: |
> 50 |
Topics addressed: |
bystander awareness, consent, gaslighting (soon!), healthy relationships, teen dating violence |
Winners' countries: |
Argentina, Belgium, Canada, France, India, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States |
Platforms: |
Amazon App Store; Amazon Echo ("Alexa"); Apple App Store; Blackberry; Google Play; HTML5; Windows Phone |
Published research: |
• Gaming Against Violence: An Exploratory Evaluation ...
• Playing Against Abuse: Effects of Procedural and Narrative Persuasive Games |
Entry Information
How do I get started?
Check out the instructions in the How the Contest Works section and be sure to Register and send us your entry before the March 31 deadline.
The registration deadline for this year's game design challenge has already passed. For details on future contests sign up for our serious games email list.
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 in the game entries.
How long do I have to enter?
Round One was open from March 17, 2019 through March 31, 2019. The Finalists were notified in April and had until August 1, 2019 to submit their final video games.
Do you accept group entries?
Yes - please just identify a primary contact person when you Register on the Round One submission form.
Where can I learn more about gaslighting?
Visit our Gaslighting Games site for information and resources about gaslighting.
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 help explain gaslighting and its impact.
Judging details and scoring rubric for Round Two will be distributed to all Finalists at the time that they are notified of their Finalist status.