For the last two years we’ve run informal, rules-free, open to all, game jams in the month of November as an alternative to the NaNoWriMo novel writing event. These have traditionally been hosted by Tom Larkworthy, who has since moved to San Francisco to work on exciting new projects in a challenging new climate. But Read more about Make A Game Month 2014![…]
With the 2014 Global Game Jam fast approaching I have been asked a few times by new participants what they should take with them, and how they should prepare. Wikipedia defines a game jam as “a gathering of game developers for the purpose of planning, designing, and creating one or more games within a short span of time“, they are a wonderful experience for anyone interested in game development. They are often suited to any level of experience, as participants can form themselves into teams with total strangers of compatible skill-sets. Often people will volunteer to take a role that they know little about, experiencing a new side of the development process or polishing rarely used skills.
The Global Game Jam is a yearly event, taking place simultaneously around the world with a single theme given out to all participants. The event itself lasts for 48 hours, a very long time to be awake and developing, but a very short time to put a project together with a team of people you may have never met before! This makes it quite an exciting challenge that deserves at least a little preparation and planning! To that end I’m going to give you a few ideas and tips from my own experience. Ultimately a game jam is about being yourself, creating something, and having fun. There is no right and wrong, and it’s not a competition! Your experiences will vary, and my suggestions are only a rough guide. (Please note that none of the links in this post are affiliate links!)
A quick thanks to everyone who came to the lab on sunday the 5th of June for our first set of organised talks. We packed out the lab, it would’ve been a struggle to fit even one more person in. Martin and I really enjoyed giving our talks, and chatting with everyone afterwards. Thanks again Read more about Hacklab Talks Follow-up[…]
We’re opening the lab from lunchtime this sunday (5th june) to put on a couple of talks, and to maybe get some projects or conversation going afterwards. This is a tester for future events – I’ve spoken to people about some really interesting talks for the future, so if this one goes well.. For this Read more about Talks at the lab on Sunday 5th June[…]