In a vibrant celebration of innovation and creativity, the CIIT Interweave Campus recently became a hub for aspiring game developers during the much-anticipated Global Game Jam (GGJ). Unlike typical competitions, GGJ stands out as a unique event that fosters collaboration and skill enhancement among participants, inviting both students and non-students to dive into the world of game development.
Elevating Game Development
From January 26 to 28, the event welcomed diverse individuals passionate about creating video games and non-digital games, including board games and card games. Those who had registered and fulfilled the requirements were invited to join and gain access to the campus premises.
With a focus on encouraging creative freedom and teamwork, GGJ offers a platform for attendees (referred to as “jammers) to bring their game-making visions to life. Participants were also prompted to bring their computing devices and extension cords, with WiFi and passwords provided upon entry for a seamless experience. To foster an immersive and collaborative environment, jammers were expected to stay on campus during the event, assuring fairness and camaraderie for all players.
The event was not just about coding and designing; it also featured uplifting talks and lectures from keynote speakers, including game developer Christer “McFunkypant” Kaitala, Tarja Porkka-Kuntturi, the Director of Community Engagement at GGJ, and Sabrin Culayba, the GGJ President. Their stories and insights added an enriching layer to the overall experience, motivating participants to push the boundaries of their creativity. Also, among the eager attendees were members of our Computer Science and Entertainment and Media Computing departments, who embraced the chance to share their skills and learn tips from their peers.
Other CIIT’s Global Game Jam Highlights
This event showcased the shared passion and commitment of the gaming community, supported by organizations such as Syntax – the CIIT Developer’s Organization, the CIIT Gaming Community, and dedicated faculty members who played essential roles in organizing this amazing endeavor.
With a fun theme of “Make Me Laugh,” the competition saw participation from six groups, including five from CIIT and one from outside the school. All the innovative games developed for the contest, such as Final_Final_FINAL_GameTitleorsomethingIDKdontputthisinthefinalbuildLMAO, Pugsly, I’m Just a Fish, Wake-up, Cheery Kookie Land, and Ipi’s Salad, were made available on the Global Jame website.
Also, esteemed professors Dr. Alejandro “Hajie” Ortega, Mr. Percival “Percy” Fernandez, and Mr. Jan Benedick “Ben” Medina were there to guide the participants throughout the event.
As this year’s Global Game Jam ended, it definitely left a lasting impression on all attendees. Whether you are passionate about creating digital or analog games, GGJ highlights the power of creativity and the limitless possibilities that arise when different minds come together. CIIT Interweave, through hosting such a diverse and inspiring event, has once again demonstrated its commitment to nurturing the next generation of game developers and creative thinkers.
For those aspiring to pursue a career in game development, we offer Bachelor’s Degree programs tailored to fuel your passion and hone your skills! Explore our offerings here.
