GameJam!

SIGGRAPH 2009 and Sandbox are hosting the first annual GameJam! in New Orleans!

"We wanted something that would introduce attendees to video game creation, and GameJam! is that opportunity," explains Tina Ziemek, the GameJam! Chair, from the University of Utah. "Many attendees may be well versed in what it takes to create computer graphics for video games, but GameJam! will let them witness the entire process of game creation first hand. We hope that GameJam! will give attendees a greater appreciation for game design, and maybe it will even inspire some artists to consider working in video game development."

The biggest challenge in planning GameJam! for Ziemek and her team was making certain participants could accomplish the task assigned to them in 24 hours. "Many competitions run longer than 24 hours, so we had to pay special attention to making the task challenging yet feasible." There was plenty of advice from the organizers of the older and experienced sidekick FJORG!

GameJam! could count on expert guidance regarding the logistical issues of hosting a day-long competition. "These details range from ordering 15 gallons of coffee to having a quiet space for participants to rest and decompress," she said.

During GameJam! participants will take part in mini-competitions to compete for assets like texture, or ten minutes of internet time. What participants will have to do to win these competitions will only be revealed at the event. Attendees will also be able to watch the GameJammers create their characters, worlds, and gameplay via a live feed (monitors in the hallway will display participants desktops so the attendees can see the games as they are created).

The Prizes
Entrants will compete to win in a variety of categories, including:

• Best of Show - The best overall game. This game is fun, looks and sounds great, and utilizes the theme.
• Best Game Play - Regardless of how the game looks or uses the theme, this game is the most fun to play. Of all the entries, it has the best mechanics.
• Best Appearance - Best looking game. This is a combination of the quality of graphics, effects, and art direction.
• Best Sound Design - The game that makes the best use of audio and sound effects.
• Crowd Favorite - The game that earns the most votes from attendees.
• Epic Failure - The game that failed, in one way or another, while trying to do something new and novel. The failure can be that it is not fun, not finished, broken, etc. The important thing is that what was attempted was new, risky, and completely insane.

All GameJam! games will be showcased on Thursday in the Sandbox area. "SIGGRAPH attendees are invited to drop by, play a game and vote for their favorite GameJam! game," explains Ziemek. "The votes will be tallied to determine the crowd favorite prizes. Speaking of prizes, GameJam! and FJORG! are teaming up to have a joint prize ceremony! The ceremony will highlight all of the FJORG! animations as well as the GameJam! games. It will be a great way to honor all the hard work, and sleepless hours that occur during our competitions."

Related links:
GameJam!
SIGGRAPH 2009