Xbox and Best Buy want to help you build your first video game in 2026

Now if, like me, you’d likely never heard of Xbox Game Camp and had no idea it’s been around since 2019, I’ll do my best to get you up to speed based on what I’ve learned.

Xbox Game Camp is an initiative started by Microsoft under Xbox in 2020, designed to empower future creators, game developers, and storytellers by helping them build skills and find opportunities within the gaming industry.

With that in mind, Xbox Game Camp is now heading to Minneapolis in partnership with the Best Buy Foundation during 2026, while also returning to Africa this year too.

Now that we sort of know what Xbox Game Camp is, let’s take a closer look at what it actually includes, because this isn’t an event or showcase, but a training program designed to help participants develop games.

Xbox Game Camp will feature 50 participants aged 18 to 19, based in Minneapolis and working in association with Best Buy Teen Tech Centers, which, I’ll admit, I also wasn’t aware existed.

The program runs for 12 weeks, starting June 15, 2026, and ending September 3, 2026, with a focus on helping participants take a game from concept to completion.

Admittedly, this sounds pretty cool and, honestly, a lot like an extended game jam. Participants will come up with ideas, learn coding, art, and more, and build a playable prototype while working alongside people from Microsoft.

By the end of it, they’ll also have a portfolio they can use to showcase their work.

If you’re interested in applying, you can by clicking here.

It’s great to see Xbox continue this initiative and bring it to more parts of the world. Hopefully, those interested can gain valuable experience and learn from Microsoft about game development, something they’ve been doing for 25 years, so they likely know a thing or two.

With that said, tell me if this is something that interests you, or if you’ve missed the age cutoff and don’t have much interest in a program like this, let me know in the comments and make sure to take part in our poll below:

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