Category: Announcements

Best Buy Foundation Presents Xbox Game Camp Minneapolis 2026

Kaylee Leitzel,Business Program Manager, Xbox Game Camp

Summary

Xbox Game Camp Minneapolis 2026 is coming to Best Buy Teen Tech Centers in June.
The immersive learning program will bring together 50 participants ages 18 – 19.
Participants will experience the key aspects of the game development lifecycle from concept to playable prototype.

For 25 years, Xbox has empowered game developers of all sizes, and today Xbox Game Camp announces a first-of-its-kind partnership that brings an immersive learning experience to 50 aspiring game creators (ages 18-19) with Xbox Game Camp Minneapolis, presented by the Best Buy Foundation. Xbox Game Camp Minneapolis runs from June 15 to September 3, 2026 for Best Buy Teen Tech Center participants in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.

Designed to empower future waves of game creators, the program offers 12 weeks of tailored learning, community-building, and direct mentorship from experts across Microsoft and Xbox, plus local support from each participating Teen Tech Center.

“We know how crucial it is for young people to have access to technology, real-world experience and mentorship, to set them up for their future careers,” said Olivia Jefferson, vice president of social impact at Best Buy. “Best Buy couldn’t be more excited to partner with Xbox and create such an amazing opportunity to empower the next generation of game creators.”

Xbox Game Camp and the Best Buy Foundation share a belief: when you invest in opportunity and equip aspiring creators with the tools, knowledge, and support to pursue their goals, incredible things happen. This network of Best Buy Teen Tech Centers in Minneapolis is built to expand access to technology and mentorship, ignite future game developer connections, and create measurable pathways into education and early-career opportunities.

“Game development brings together a wide range of disciplines – from technology and art to storytelling, music, sound design and project management. As part of our 25th anniversary, Xbox Game Camp is leveraging our combined knowledge in partnership with The Best Buy Foundation to support aspiring game developers in learning new skills and pursue careers in the industry. We can’t wait to see what our campers in Minneapolis will build in the coming months,” comments Peter Zetterberg, senior director, Xbox Game Camp.

Throughout the program, participants will go from concept to prototype while retaining full ownership of any intellectual property they create, giving them valuable experience and a portfolio to jump start their entry into the games industry. To be eligible for Best Buy Foundation Presents Xbox Game Camp Minneapolis 2026, participants must: