First “bpb:board game jam” on democracy, and we're there as consultants! 9–11 January 2026 Workshop on the development of board games

From January 9 to 11, 2026, we will be developing prototypes for analog games together at the Niemöller conference center in Hesse. Anyone who wants to invent new games is welcome to participate. The bpb:board game jam is an event organized by the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb).

Polarization and populism, authoritarianism and wars, AI and fake news – society is under considerable pressure on several levels. Mistrust of politics, its actors, and institutions is increasingly evident at the ballot box and jeopardizes the consensus on democratic values. Board games, card games, and role-playing games can offer many points of contact and opportunities for communication to think about these issues together and engage in conversation. 

👉 How the bpb:board game jam works
🔹 Barcamp: Exchange on current challenges to democracy and playful approaches to communication
🔹 Development of game ideas alone or in groups
🔹 Creation of a playable prototype over the weekend

What exactly will emerge is still open: the focus is on mutual exchange and creative work. The event will be accompanied by Lukas Boch from the BoardGame Historian project and the Bonn Lab for Analog Games and Imaginative Play.

At a glance:
📅 January 9, 12 noon, to January 11, 2026, 4 p.m.
🌍EKHN Martin Niemöller Conference Center, Am Eichwaldsfeld 3, 61389 Schmitten
📌Apply by December 29, 2025 at www.bpb.de/gamejam
We look forward to receiving many exciting contributions!