Experience with XR technologies specifically (virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality,  input peripherals, etc) is not required to participate in the XR Brain Jam. One of the jam’s goals is to expand exposure to this technology to researchers and developers. However, if you have experience working with these platforms, particularly for tech developers, this is a plus. 

Participants are encouraged to bring their own XR equipment. We will also provide XR hardware on site for teams’ use during the jam. The exact equipment provided is TBA.

Absolutely! We have a number of attendees who have participated for multiple years, including several who have been part of every Brain Jam so far. 

There are no direct monetary prizes for the XR Brain Jam.

Our expert panel guests will award several honorary laurels to projects based on potential they see. Several projects will also be asked to be part of a live session at the Games for Change Festival which takes place a few days after the jam. In addition, there are a number of opportunities beyond the XR Brain Jam, such as Games for Change incubators, which XR Brain Jam teams may be invited to submit their project to, should they wish to pursue funding and further development. 

All participants who complete the jam will also receive a complimentary pass to the 2022 Games for Change Festival.

We work very hard to ensure a good mix of expertise at the jam to ensure that each team has the development skills and subject matter expertise they need to be successful. The application process helps us meet this goal.

It is free to apply to the XR Brain Jam. Accepted applicants are asked to pay a small seat reservation fee of $50. We ask for this fee as a token of commitment to show up for the jam, as every attendee’s skills are needed to help the teams be successful. This fee is waived for all XR Brain Jam alumni.

In general, participants are responsible for their own transportation, lodging, and food during their time in NYC for the jam. Select meals are provided on site during the jam event.

Games for Change maintains the health and safety of our community as a top priority. This includes considerations for all of our event attendees, partners, employees, and volunteers. The XR Brain Jam is a multi-day event that takes place in close quarters with participants sharing VR equipment, meals, and workspace. Everyone attending the jam will be encouraged to wear an N95-equivalent mask during the event. Everyone must show proof of covid-19 vaccination.  Everyone will take a covid-19 rapid test at the start of the jam. This policy may be updated prior to the event.

Yes, you must attend the full jam. 

The XR Brain Jam spans two weekends, July 8th (a 4 hour committment) and July 14-16 (Friday to Sunday evening). The first weekend will be an online half-day event for teams to get to know each other and lay the groundwork for their project. The main jam event will take place in-person in New York City on July 14th through 16th.

A more detailed schedule will be posted closer to the event. 

Creators and Subject Matter Experts accepted to the XR Brain Jam will be grouped into teams based on topic interest and skill sets. 

Prior to the jam, all participants will get access to the Games for Change XR Brain Jam Discord Server where they can meet each other and begin sharing information about their topics.

In general, we keep team size to 5-7 people total. At least 4 of those team members will be XR Creators. Typically teams have one or two Researcher/Subject Matter Expert

Yes! We encourage XR Brain Jam participants to apply with others, particularly our XR Creator applicants. If you have colleagues you’d like to work with for the Jam, please remember that everyone must submit their own application separately. Once everyone has submitted, one person from the group should email xrbrainjam@gamesforchange.org (please cc the others in the group) to let us know you’d like to be placed together if accepted. We ask that you please double check that everyone has already applied individually before sending in your request!

Keep in mind that teams will be around 6 people, with at least one Researcher/Subject Matter Expert. We try very hard to arrange teams so that those who request to work together are placed on the same team.

There is a required remote workshop on July 8th, 2023 in the lead up to the Jam. This will be facilitated via Discord and Zoom.

However, Jam Participants must attend the main jam event, July 9th through 11th, in person in New York City.

Yes, XR Brain Jam Participants will also get a full pass to attend the 20223 Games for Change Festival.

The 2023 Expert Panel has not yet been announced. Stay tuned!

Starting with the 2021 XR Brain Jam, a virtual opening workshop was added to the event to give teams a chance to meet one another and begin brainstorming and planning for their work during the jam itself.