What is a Game Jam?

So what is a game jam? It’s an event, usually held locally (but often online jams exist), where folks of all talents (art, code, audio, design, production...really, anything is useful) come together and just have fun making games. While some jams are competitive and have prizes, game jams are usually meant to be collaborative. You can make new friends, learn new skills, understand more about game development, or mentor newcomers. If you think you lack the skills to be useful at a game jam, you’re dead wrong. I often learn a lot in a crash-coursed game jam event over a single weekend.

Game jams usually come in two flavors: 24-hour or 48-hour events. There are a few exceptions to this, which you will discover if you keep an eye on relevant Twitter feeds and industry resources. 

Here is an example of what a game jam outline might be:

1. Reveal the Theme (i.e. destruction, mini-game mayhem, caves, 1776. Theme generator!)
2. A quick overview of a specific technology (if you are required to use specific game engines, etc.)
3. Assistance in team formation (if you came alone / in a small group, but still need particular skills)
4. Go make your game / Network with other participants / Share your talents with multiple teams
5. Turn your game in by the deadline
6. Some jams have an "expo" where everyone walks around mingling and playing each others games for a couple hours at the end

Besides making games, you can make some solid new friends (networking!) while participating. The time may come when you’re looking for a recommendation at a company that they have ties to, or maybe a time when you’re looking to start that next project or company and need good folks to start-up with. At a game jam, everyone is there with the intent (usually) to have these conversations and enjoy one another’s company.

The major game jam you should be aware of (coming up soon) is the Global Game Jam (http://globalgamejam.com). The largest game jam in the world, this annual event will happen January 25^th to 27^th as a 48-hour game jam. An ever-evolving calendar of game jams and other events can be found on our Industry Calendar. And, of course, you can always start your own game jam with buddies online or at a local venue. You have nothing to lose, yet so much to gain!

Come make some new friends, learn new skills, and make cool games at a game jam near you!