*For a more interactive article, subscribe to the Jox Digital newsletter.*
Strawberry jam, raspberry jam, and traffic jams can move to the side.
Game jams are fun and exciting events for both pros and new developers alike.
If you are a new developer, taking part in jams is a great way to gain experience and get some projects under your belt. This article will give you all the information you need to ace it at your first game jam!
What is a Game Jam?
Participants are given a theme and a time limit (typically a weekend) in which to develop a game from scratch. The theme is there to get participants to think up creative concepts for their games. Rules differ for each jam, but entrants can choose to work by themselves or in a team.
Why Should I Participate in a Game Jam?
1. Jams are fun, and they fuel creativity.
Whether you are a seasoned dev or a beginner, game jams present you with an exciting challenge. We all like a challenge, and it is incredibly rewarding to rise to the occasion and create something really cool.
At times, it is easier to come up with an idea when you are working under a prompt or with a few restrictions. Jam prompts function as a great lightning rod for your creativity. Prompts are open ended but still focused enough to help direct your thought process.
Several great games got their start at game jams including Hollow Knight, Snake Pass, and SUPERHOT. These games are known for their creative rehashing of the Metroidvania, Platformer, and FPS genres respectively, and they are great examples of the way in which jams spark original ideas.
2. Jams teach you to work under a time limit.
For new developers, jams are a great way to get experience working under a time limit. Until you have worked professionally as a game developer, you probably have not had to meet any deadlines for your projects. Time crunches can be stressful, but they are also exciting.
You will prove to yourself that you can get things done fast! Jams also incentivize you to finish your projects. In the end, you will probably be really pleased by your results!
3. You meet other developers and get honest feedback.
It can be quite difficult to meet other developers when you are first starting out—I know it was for me. Jam websites are full of entrants looking for partners to work on their project with them. Reaching out can be scary, but if you put yourself out there at a game jam, you may end up meeting some like-minded developers.
Plus, you will get excellent and supportive feedback on your work. At most jams, the other participants are the ones who will be grading your work. You are sure to get both kind and constructive feedback, and the insights of other developers are usually helpful for improving your work.
Jams To Look Out For:
This is one of the largest game jams there is, with participants from all over the world (2x a year -- April and October).
This is another huge event that brings many different developers together from around the world. Since much of it takes place in person, it is a great way to meet other developers.
GMTK Game Jam
The popular YouTube channel Game Maker’s Toolkit recently hosted the biggest online jam of all time. This is an annual jam so you will have to wait until next year to enter. Keep your eyes open for the GMTK 2021 start date.
Go online to itch.io and check the jams page.
Game development is a great way to let out your creativity and express yourself; it allows you to tell stories and get in touch with your inner child.
If you are a new developer, game jams are a great way for you to spread your wings. By the end of your first jam, you will feel much more capable and accomplished. Give it a try and good luck out there!
Game on,
PBJ, Jox Digital Educator
info@jox.digital
A Jox Thought: The game Fall Guys is having quite a moment for UK-based game developer Mediatonic. The gameplay is pure entertainment, and it is fun to play with friends. Check it out on Twitch!
It is currently topping VALORANT and Call of Duty: Warzone as the top video game category on Twitch.
Comments