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Gaming charity AbleGamers and the development event Train Jam have renewed a partnership that will enable developers with disabilities a chance to attend GDC 2018.
The sponsorship programme started earlier this year and two disabled developers were selected from submissions to attend the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, taking the Train Jam train to the event and working with other developers along the way.
This year the partnership returns between the charity and Train Jam to allow three developers with disabilities the chance to submit their application and be sponsored to attend the Train Jam event and GDC. Train Jam started in 2013 and tasks developers to create a game within 52 hours in teams on the journey from Chicago to San Francisco.
The Train Jam event has since been a big advocate of diversity within the games industry, taking applications from many under-represented parts of the industry including different genders, minorities people from emergent territories. Successful applications will have special accommodation provided and travel aid, along with the ability to have a carer or family member pass.
“We’re so excited to partner with AbleGamers again for Train Jam 2018,” said Train Jam founder, Adriel Wallick. “We strive to create an environment where developers from all different backgrounds can collaborate to create amazing games, and we’re beyond thrilled to be working directly with a charity that can help us achieve our vision. We look forward to supporting the three new developers AbleGamers chooses to join us for the event.”
"AbleGamers is proud to offer support of future game developers with disabilities through the wonderful Train Jam event," added AbleGamers COO, Steven Spohn. "Adriel and her team work tirelessly to help the developers of tomorrow of diverse backgrounds break into the industry and bring their ideas to life for everyone to enjoy.” Spohn continued, “It’s so difficult for developers with disabilities to find employment and growth opportunities in the videogame industry. Sponsoring three talented, next generation developers with the opportunity to get an extra edge at a bright future is one of our favorite initiatives."
