News
Global Game Jam 2010
10th December 2009
Global Game Jam is a 48-hour game development event that takes place in locations all over the world. The host for the Global Game Jam 2010 in London is Qantm College!
If you've ever wanted to make a computer game, this is your chance. You don't need to be a programmer - games need a mixture of creative skills.
Participating in an event like this is a great way to add a game to your portfolio, and looks good on your CV. Last year, peoples' lives were changed as they realised the possibility of becoming a professional game developer!
How does it work ?
Participants arrive on Friday afternoon, and get to know each other. Some jam sites have "tech talks" during the afternoon.
At 5pm, the Theme is revealed. This theme should inform the design of all the games made during the weekend.
Once all the participants know what the theme is, they can form teams. Each team needs a mix of skills, so you need to be open to idea of working with someone you've never met before!
The first task for the team is to come up with a game design that is somehow relevant to the theme. Coming up with ideas is always easier and more fun when you "brainstorm" with other people. For some people, ideas flow more freely with the help of a caffeinated drink. For others, something stronger may be required - fortunately there is a friendly pub just down the road from Qantm London!
Once the team has decided on the game idea, it's a race against the clock to get a prototype working as quickly as possible.
On Sunday afternoon, each team gets the chance to demonstrate their game to everyone. Prizes may be awarded for such attributes as originality, gameplay, look and feel, and so on. But it's important to remember that Global Game Jam isn't a competition - it's all about collaboration, creativity, making new friends and having new experiences.
How can you create a game in 48 hours ?
Staying awake for 48 hours sounds like a long weekend, but game developers know that the process of creating a game can take many months. Commercial games are created by a team comprising programmers, 2D and 3D artists, animators, musicians, and more. So how is it possible for a small team to make a game in a weekend ?
Firstly, the game will be a prototype, not a fully finished commercial offering. That means that fun gameplay and experimentation is more important than a perfectly polished game.
Secondly, choose your tools wisely. This is rapid prototyping, where the emphasis is on getting something up and running quickly. This is different to a long-term production schedule, where development is slower but the results more robust.
What are good tools to use to quickly make a game ? Flash is a good contender, and is used for practically all of the games on web sites. Another possibility is Microsoft's XNA, which can be used to quickly create 2D and 3D games. Or what about Unity ? This professional game engine is now free for non-commercial use.
The important thing is to choose a tool with which you are familiar. There isn't much time to start learning a new language or way of doing things!
Would you like to join in ?
If you would like to participate, go the Global Game Jam web page and create an account. Set your "jam site" to Qantm London, and you're all set!
For more information about the Global Game Jam, go to http://www.globalgamejam.org
