2017 Global Game Jam

The Global Game Jam® (GGJ) is the world's largest game jam event (game creation) taking place around the world at physical locations. Think of it as a hackathon focused on game development. It is the growth of an idea that in today’s heavily connected world, we could come together, be creative, share experiences and express ourselves in a multitude of ways using video games – it is very universal. The weekend stirs a global creative buzz in games, while at the same time exploring the process of development, be it programming, iterative design, narrative exploration or artistic expression. It is all condensed into a 48 hour development cycle. The GGJ encourages people with all kinds of backgrounds to participate and contribute to this global spread of game development and creativity.

The structure of a jam is usually that everyone gathers on Friday late afternoon, watches a short video keynote with advice from leading game developers, and then a secret theme is announced. All sites worldwide are then challenged to make games based on that same theme, with games to be completed by Sunday afternoon. In January 2016, we had over 600 locations in 93 countries create 6866 games in one weekend! GGJ 2017 is January 20-22 at a location near you… if not you can make one of your own. The jam is known for helping foster new friendships, increase confidence and opportunities within the community. The jam is always an intellectual challenge. People are invited to explore new technology tools, trying on new roles in development and testing their skills to do something that requires them to design, develop create, test and make a new game in the time span of 48 hours.

The GGJ stimulates collaboration and is not a competition.

For more information please visit our event website at https://www.meetup.com/gamedeveloper/events/235717407/ 

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

A word about our new age policyhttp://globalgamejam.org/news/word-about-our-new-age-policy

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Parking is free

What can I bring into the event?

Depends what you want to do. If you’re a programmer, bring a computer with your programming tools installed. If an artist, bring a sketchpad, pencils, paints, crayons, digital pens, or whatever you’re comfortable using. If a designer, bring a notebook, graph paper to design levels, or whatever you think would be good. If an audio person, bring a mixer panel, or a keyboard, or a microphone, or again, anything you want. The point of the jam isn’t to force you to use things you’ve never used before, but to take advantage of whatever skills you already have, and let you use those skills, improve those skills, and network with others with similar interests, to see what kind of cool creative things you can make.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

We can be reached via Twitter at @SacGameJam

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Yes please.

Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?

We can work with you. Just get in touch with us before the event. 

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends?

We would like to eliminate confusion as much as possible. Please get in touch with us if you have a special request.