Jam with us! In collaboration with the UA Game Dev Club we are proud to announce Tucson’s fifth Global Game Jam!
Register Here:
https://globalgamejam.org/2023/jam-sites/ggj-tucson-2023
When is it?
Jam Weekend: February 3rd-5th
Virtual Event: January 30th to February 5th via Discord.
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 it’s a ‘hybrid’ jam!
This means the event will be both virtual and in-person. It starts virtually on Jan 30th and runs 7 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 5th no matter what happens at their local venue.
Jam Weekend
Tucson’s in-person site will be open from Feb 3rd to the 5th. The event will take place at the University of Arizona in the Gould-Simpson Building.
On Friday we will watch a short video keynote, have dinner, and break into teams. 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 event will end with a grand closing ceremony on the 5th at 3pm. We’ll present our finished games and have a big celebration of the great work on display.
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. Score!
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?
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. It’s 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:
TBD