Global Game Jam: Jam out a Game in 48 Hours

How would it feel to create and share my own game is a thought that slips through the CoC student's brain frequently. To take a brilliant idea, make it real and watch people interact with your creation. But for the aspiring gamemaker it takes more than just inspiration to get things going. A lack of time, a noobish level of know-how in sound/ graphics/ programming, a perfectionist's desire to make this the Best Game Ever and a lack of any kind of time constraint can quickly deflate plans. For those looking for an excuse to set aside time exclusively for creating that game, a relatively new annual event is worth looking into.

The Global Game Jam is a relatively new event where students from around the world team up with other game-aficionados and crank out a game during a 48-hour timespan. Interested students sign up and register according to their respective school, while listing the skills they have to offer. The event usually takes place during the last weekend of January.

That fateful Friday the students are then greeted and treated to an inspirational keynote to hype up the mood and provide inspiration. Last year the introductory inspirational video starred creator of World of Goo Kyle Gabler and showcased various projects created during similar time crunches as this. Students then form into teams based on skill sets and interests, and a common constraint and theme for the event is announced: last year's archaic theme required each team to address the pros and cons of relationships. Cue a large number of friendship and magnetism themed games.

For the next 48 hours the area is abuzz with productive creativity. The event ends Sunday with each team uploading and presenting their creation. Participants could then see how others responded to the theme and constraints across the globe. The event's very first (and very successful) run took place last year, and this Friday its second run will take place.

The event is well-organized and the large-scale nature of the event makes it an excellent source of exposure. The mass of creative work by students passionate enough to give up their weekend from all around the world attracts many potential employers as well as good media attention. The event pulls together many talented, aspiring game-lovers together in a single time frame to meet and collaborate together in possibly creating the next inspired game that has the world's attention.

When:     January 29-31
Where:     SCAD (1600 Peachtree Road NW)
To Sign Up or Register:
visit http://globalgamejam.org/node/550 or email ttseng@scad.edu.

Later after you register you should receive further instructions via email on what room number the event is being held and the schedule for the event.