Day 2: Parts of a game

Welcome to day 2. Today we will learn about parts of a game.

  • Parts of a Game

    Start with this video to learn about the different parts of a game.

  • Use the parts of a game

    Pick a new game. Can you name each of the 5 parts of that game? See if you can name the Goal, Space, Components, Mechanics and Rules of that game.

  • Hack Rock Paper Scissors

    Now an activity to put the parts of a game to use! Redesign the classic game, Rock-Paper-Scissors.

    Hack Rock Paper Scissors Worksheet (PDF)

  • You are the Game

    Here’s a second activity to make your own original game, using the 5 parts of a game to guide you.

    You Are The Game Worksheet (PDF)

  • Iterative design

    Watch this video to learn how to iterate to make your games better.

  • How can your earlier games be made better?

    Pick one of the two games you made earlier. Try playing the game, with someone else if needed. As you play, what worked well and was really fun? What worked poorly, and can be made better?

  • Improve your game

    Improve your game. Now it’s time to make the game better! Take one of the parts of your game that didn’t work well and go back to your game. Which part of your game (Goal, Space, Component, Mechanics, Rules) can you change to make the game better? Go back and redesign your game, completing your first design loop!

Apply to run an online jam

NB: All fields are required


Please tell us which location you helped with in the past:


  1. I will make myself available for a phone or chat conversation with GGJ NEXT organizers before Jam Site approval, and for possible emergencies after approval.
  2. I understand that I am making a commitment to run a 2 week online event, including 1 week of teaching and learning, and 1 week of a jam. I agree to commit to running the structure proposed by GGJ NEXT to the best of my ability, and be available and online for both kids and GGJ staff for at least 2 hours a day during the 2 week event period.
  3. I understand that Global Game Jam Inc. is not responsible for any incidents, accidents or problems that may occur.
  4. I understand and agree the importance to the commitment of child safety, and understand that my GGJ NEXT site can only go ahead once the legal contract has been signed and returned to Global Game Jam Inc, signed by both you and the head of the organisation where you are hosting the jam.
  5. I agree to use the GGJ NEXT logo on online and printed literature when promoting the event.
  6. I agree that I and the jammers will fill in a feedback survey at the end of the jam, to help contribute towards the event's research goals.
  7. I agree to show a short keynote at the start of the jam, and jam around the theme presented in the keynote.
  8. I agree to encourage kids to compile some video footage of the output of the jam, including some 'Let's play' videos of the games (either cast from the screen or recorded with a camera).

Apply to become a mentor

NB: All fields are required


Please tell us which location you helped with in the past:


Please Specify:

  1. I will make myself available for a phone or chat conversation with GGJ NEXT organizers before Jam week
  2. I understand that Global Game Jam Inc. is not responsible for any incidents, accidents or problems that may occur.
  3. I understand and agree the importance to the commitment of child safety.
  4. I agree to use the GGJ NEXT logo on online and printed literature when promoting the event.