Name: Game Jam #2: Ren'Py [workshop]
Start: 2026-03-21T13:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-03-21T17:00:00-04:00
Location: 36 King Street, Rochester, NY, United States, New York 14608

A game jam is an event in which artists, makers, poets, and storytellers make a video game entirely from scratch, in one sitting. This spring, VSW will host a series of game jams and demonstrations that encourage collaboration and experimentation in a low-stakes, supportive environment. Each game jam will begin with a short demo of a free and accessible game-making tool led by VSW Assistant Curator and games artist Nilson Carroll. Participants will then be given time and space to explore that tool however they like.
This series promotes game-making as an inclusive artistic practice, open to diverse makers and anyone who is curious about games, interactive new media, or digital storytelling. Game jam events empower makers to create and share expressive digital art outside of the boundaries of large, algorithm-driven, corporate-owned online platforms. Makers, artists, indie developers, and poets of all experience levels and ages are invited to participate. The tools used in each game jam incorporate other art forms, such as drawing, photography, doodles, poetry, sound, video, comics, and performance. While each tool is different, they all allow artists to create through improvisation with no or little coding.
The game jam series will culminate in an in-person pop-up arcade of games made during the series, which will take place at VSW in May.
Snacks will be provided, but please bring your own computer (and charger) if possible.
This event is free, and we welcome donations. Please RSVP https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/rsvp-game-jam-2-renpy

The second tool featured in this series is Ren’Py, an open source, beginner-friendly game engine for making narrative games using text, images, and sound. Through a simple scripting language, artists and storytellers can create both small and complex interactive narratives, poems, or worlds.
Recommended Experience Level: Beginner (basic computer skills)