More than 300 Staffordshire University jammers are to take part in the annual Global Game Jam initiative, where gamers strive to create a 'globally themed' game in just 48 hours.
The Stafford campus is one of 500 Jam sites around the world to take part and looks set be one of the largest around the world, with more jammers expected than Facebook’s Headquarters in California.
The global event will focus on a specific theme, which is to be announced tomorrow prior to the 48 hours of games development.
The jammers will be on site in the Epic Games Centre for the full 48 hours, starting at 5pm tomorrow and ending by 5pm on Sunday.
Nia Wearn, Senior Games Lecturer, said: “All of the games have to be finished by the Sunday and uploaded onto the Global Games Jam website - they’re great additions to student’s portfolios.
“It's an excellent event for the students and it's great to know we have the support of the Faculty and the University behind us.”
With games being developed in just 48 hours, Nia explains how the event promotes team-work and creativity.
“It’s a popular alumni event, often with teams of students testing and working together, with the view to setting up indie games companies. It's a great social event too, with everyone mixing, from first years, through to master students and alumni,” Nia explained.
Elements of the Games Jam will be recorded by Staffs TV and streamed to Twitch TV with live updates available via@staffsgamestech and Computer Games Design Facebook page throughout the event.
Nia added: “The important thing about Global Games Jam is that it isn’t a competition, there’s no judging, it’s about testing ideas and creating playable prototypes.
“There’s a real sense of excitement from veteran and newcomers and I can’t wait to see what games are made this year.”