Why Game Jams WorkWhy Game Jams Work

Posted 20. November 2009 - 14:50 by mike

What is a "Game Jam"? In a nutshell: You meet up with people and develop games in 48 hours. "Develop" means you get the game to a working, playable version. "Games" usually refers to "video games", but that is negotiable.

We have organized two Game Jams so far, one in Erlangen in January 2009 as part of the 1. Global Game Jam (GGJ2009), and the other one in November here in Nuremberg (GJNUE). It seems too early to draw serious conclusions or distribute game jam wisdoms, but here are some "educated guesses" why game jams work:

  1. The challenge: Making games in 48 hours seems a foolish idea at first. Until you do it.
  2. The Game Jam situation creates the “right” mixture of freedom and constraints.
  3. Developing games connects various talents: developers, game designers, artists, musicians…
  4. There is nothing to gain except the experience.
  5. "Sit back and criticize" is not an option at a Game Jam.
  6. Sleep deprivation may foster the creative process or so they say.
  7. Three Words: Fun.

These observations will be elaborated further in an essay about the game jam experience. Feedback is welcome; please send an e-mail to: gjnue@makerjam.org.