In partnership with the NYC Department of Education, The New York Videogame Critics Circle is joining the 2024 Battle of the Burroughs Minecraft Build Challenge with a unique writing competition called the Minecraft Writing Challenge.

The Minecraft Writing Challenge is a competitive high school writing competition for Grades 9 – 12 with a cash prize along with a chance for a paid writing internship with The New York Videogame Critics Circle (NYVGCC). 

Students will write a social justice-themed story about the ultimate game they would like to make in Minecraft. Submissions will be reviewed by panels of expert journalists and game executives. Four winners will receive $300 cash prizes courtesy of NYVGCC.

Social justice refers to justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society. Stories may shed light on inequality based on race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.

Students will also be considered for a paid internship at the New York Videogame Critics Circle and be mentored by professional journalists, game makers and game executives. At NYGameCritics.com, interns are paid $100-$150 per game review or feature story. The games are actually provided for free. Sometimes, we make our own games, too!

Eligible students can submit their stories using this form.