Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Networking/Skill-Polishing
with Game Jams
One last thing to mention is a phenomenon known as a game jam,
occasionally known as a hackathon. As competition increases in
the game marketplace, game jams are a great way to gain valuable
experience and connections, plus you get to work on games! Game
jams happen frequently throughout the year and developers have a
certain amount of time to create a complete game. Most frequently it's
48 hours, but this can vary. Game jams can happen onsite at a physical
location, or virtually, online. In either case they are prime opportunities
for networking with developers, game designers, animators and for
practicing your craft under a tight deadline—all very important parts of
your career.
So, you think you're
ready to schmooze
with the best of them?
If so, then prepare to
test your knowledge
of
trade shows and
networking events
by going over to the
App Classroom, and
clicking on the Word
Search book!
A composer hard at work during the 2012 Global Game Jam in Guimarães, Portugal.
Credit :
Laboratório Criação Digital (labcd) on Flickr.
Here are a couple of the game jams that occur regularly every year:
•
Global Game Jam
(late January): This is the granddaddy of them all.
There is huge worldwide participation in this one. In 2012, the local
participation at the San Francisco venue was over 250!
•
Ludum Dare
(three times per year): Probably the most well known
of the online-based competitions/game jams, Ludum Dare has
of ered two options for participating since 2010. The i rst is a stricter
competition, but the other is a more open and team-friendly jam.
