Jam with us! In collaboration with The Forge we are proud to announce Tucson’s fourth Global Game Jam!
PLEASE NOTE: We are no longer holding an in-person event out of an abundance of caution.
Register Here:
https://globalgamejam.org/2022/jam-sites/ggj-tuscon-2022
When is it?
Opening Ceremony: January 21st @ 4pm via Discord.
Virtual: January 20th to 30th, 2022.
So what is a Game Jam?
From the Global Game Jam site:
The Global Game Jam® (GGJ) is the world’s largest game jam event (game creation) taking place around the world. Think of it as a hackathon focused on game development. It is the growth of an idea that in today’s heavily connected world, we could come together, be creative, share experiences and express ourselves in a multitude of ways using video games – it is very universal.
This year its a ‘hybrid‘ virtual jam!
Note: The in-person event has been cancelled! We will be running the event virtually.
This means the event will be both virtual and in-person. It starts virtually on Jan 20 and runs 10 days to allow venues to choose which 48 hours they want to host the event over. Participants will still be able to submit their entries through the 30th no matter what happens at their local venue.
Tucson’s in-person site will be open from Jan 21st-23rd, with a grand closing ceremony on the 30th. The event will take place at The FORGE in downtown Tucson.
Everyone will gather on Friday late afternoon via Discord, watch a short video keynote with advice from leading game developers, and then a secret theme will be announced. Food & drink will be provided for the entire weekend for participants. In-person events will be streamed virtually via TGD’s discord server. Then get jamming!
The jam is known for helping foster new friendships, increase confidence and opportunities within the community. The jam is always an intellectual challenge. People are invited to explore new technology tools, trying on new roles in development and testing their skills to do something that requires them to design, develop create, test and make a new game in the time span of 48 hours.
The GGJ stimulates collaboration and is not a competition.
Does it cost anything?
There is no fee to participate. Some meals will be provided as well.
Where do I register?
Register here on the Global Game Jam site!
Is it really possible to make a game over a weekend?
Absolutely! Part of the fun is getting to the core of game creation and trying not to worry about making ‘perfect’ code, art, or design. Just break down some walls and get jamming! And this year we’re extending the deadline to the 30th!
Who is a Game Jam for?
Aspiring or experienced game makers who generally fall into one of the following categories:
- Developer – Programmer who can write the logic for the game.
- Artist – Creating graphics for the game.
- Sound Designer – Writing music for the game.
- Designer – Designing levels, story, and game systems.
Children are welcome to jam with their parents by invite only. Many parents jam with their kids and help introduce them to game development using environments such as Scratch. Children under 18 must be accompanied by their legal guardian.
When is it and what kind of commitment can I expect?
The jam takes place over the course of the weekend of January 21st-23rd. You can then also polish up the game since the final deadline is the 30th. How much work you want to put into it is up to you! Some people try to work non-stop. Others make smaller games in a couple afternoons. Its up to you.
Will I be working with other game developers?
It is not required but a jam is a social event and a great way to learn from others. You are more than welcome to work on your own, with your friends, or to work in a group. Some people come looking to work with other like-minded developers, others might have a group already.
I know nothing about making games but want to start.
If you don’t feel like you can get jamming right away, let us help! Tucson Game Developers is a monthly meetup where we talk shop and introduce people to the fun of making games. Come to a meeting, or chat with us on Discord!
PARKING INFORMATION:
Parking is available on-street for free on weekends around The FORGE, but also available in the Pennington Street Garage.