Game Jams - A Complete Overview

5 Apr

What Is A Game Jam?

A game jam is an event (online or in-person) where people get together and make small games in a limited amount of time (usually over the course of a weekend). Generally, the jam is based around a certain theme or keyword for example home, automation or mystery. Once the theme has been revealed each team (usually 1-8 people per team) brainstorms ideas and starts working away at their game.

Some jams have prizes and winners but it’s all about having fun, learning, trying new things, challenging yourself and most of all making new friends. So don’t take it too seriously and definitely don’t forget to rest and get enough sleep!

Why You Should Participate In One?

Game jams are one of the best ways to gain first-hand experience of what it’s like to work in game development. By forming small teams you get to collaborate with peers, get a better understanding of the different roles and tasks it takes to make a game and learn the importance of setting priorities and realistic deadlines.

Another huge benefit of game jams is that you can network, make new friends and show the people in your team that you’re great to work with. I’ve made some amazing connections and learned huge amounts from game jams so I definitely urge you to take part in at least one.

Additionally, game jam projects are great portfolio pieces as they demonstrate your ability to work in teams under intense time pressure.

Where To Find Them?

Local Game Jams

If you’re living in a bigger city or a game dev hub then there is a high chance that you’ll find some local game jams by doing some research and joining local social media groups.

Organise One Yourself

If there are no local game jams then you can always organise your own event. Global Gam Jam is a great place to start as it’s an annual event that happens in January anyone can apply to host in their town. Global Game Jam:
https://globalgamejam.org/what-game-jam

Online

There are hundreds of online game jams where you can participate from the comfort of your own home. You’ll still be able to collaborate and work in teams with people through discord, slack and other communication apps.

The best way to find online game jams is with this nifty Game Jam Calendar:
https://itch.io/jams