Global Game Jam started in 2009 and has taken place annually ever since,
The United Kingdom has been a part of the Global Game Jam since the beginning and our very own Game Development Society have particpated for several years.
A games jam is a hackathon-style event featuring teams of game developers at all skill levels coming together to create games quickly.
Global Game Jam encourages people from all walks of life to participate and contribute to this global game development and creativity spread. Jammers are invited to explore new technology tools, try out new roles in development and test their skills to do something that requires them to design, develop, create, test, and make a new game.
Sites are hosted all over the world, in fact 108 countries took part this year; and our Games Development Society hosted our very own local site in Cadman building over the weekend of 3rd - 5th February.
An impressive 128 participants joined their jam; students, graduates and members of the public all working together. Participants had a choice of collaborating online or on campus so when the bell was struck 128 team members put their creative minds to the test, the only caveat is that games have be designed around a set theme and this year GGJ set the theme of 'Roots'.
Our jammers worked through the night, into the morning and over the weekend to collaboratively create 30 amazing games.
Game Development Society had a team of industry professionals join them for the event to help support and facilitate where needed to help the event run as smoothly as possible. It was great to see them help the student teams with any issues they encountered and to guide them with their skills and knowledge. The event was a great experience and an opportunity for our student participants to network and learn from each other.
The Jam however wasn't all work and no play - there was time for card tricks and blanket fort making and plenty of laughter. The event came to a close with a showcase of some of the games; playing some and watching the videos for others.
The team from the Games Development Society and volunteers were so happy with the entire weekend and are grateful to all of the participants and for the memorable experience.
