The kickoff. Every game begins at the menu screen, and every great initiative needs a starting point. The Game Start Social is where the Catalyst Gaming Sandbox begins: an in-person mixer to meet the community, enjoy specialty drinks, and get the first look at what's ahead.

Why it matters: This is where connections start. Before a single game is built, the Social brings developers, industries, mentors, and partners into the same room, so everyone knows who's in the Sandbox and how to take part.

The build. Over one month, developers choose from real-world challenges submitted by Colorado's aerospace, gaming, defense, and government sectors, then design an original video game around one. It all happens online, through Itch.io and Discord.

Why it matters: This is the heart of the Sandbox. Real problems become playable games, developers grow their portfolios and skills, and sponsors see creative, unexpected solutions to the challenges they care about.

The showcase. An interactive job fair where Game Jam participants demo their finished games to the very industries and agencies whose challenges they tackled, with live demos, real conversations, and direct connections.

Why it matters: This is where talent meets opportunity. Developers put their work in front of the people who hire, and organizations discover skilled Colorado creators they would never meet through a résumé alone.

The level-up. A series of panels and workshops, online and in-person, led by experienced industry developers who teach aspiring creators how to build games, sharpen their skills, and market themselves as stronger candidates. It runs the second week of December, January, and February.

Be a Panelist: indie developers, studio leads, and industry pros share best practices and tips from their corner of the industry.

Attend the Q&A: students and aspiring creators bring questions and get answers straight from the people doing the work, online or in person.

Why it matters: Talent needs guidance to grow. Indie Jump Start gives developers direct access to the people who have done it, turning enthusiasm into real, employable skill.

Panelist sign-ups: coming soon. We’ll open panelist slots once the Game Jam launches. Questions? cgsandbox@catalystcampus.org

The capstone. A statewide stage where students, independent developers, and tech professionals give TED-style talks on what gaming is doing now, and what it can solve next, hosted at the UCCS Cybersecurity Center.

Why it matters: The Sandbox ends by looking forward. The Symposium elevates Colorado voices, spotlights the ideas shaping the industry, and shows the wider world what our community can do.