A game jam is a get-together, online or in-person, where people create video games from scratch. Depending on the setup, they might work alone or in teams. These events typically last anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. The participants are usually a mix of programmers, game designers, artists, writers, and other folks involved in game development. While many game jams are just for the fun of making games, some are competitions with prizes up for grabs.
itch.io is a place for hosting and participating in game jams online. Anyone can instantly create and host a jam. 355,614 games have been created for jams hosted on itch.io.
Participating in game jams is a fantastic experience for aspiring game developers and students. They offer a hands-on way to sharpen your programming, design, art, and storytelling skills under tight deadlines, pushing you to think creatively and come up with cool solutions. Plus, the games you create can beef up your portfolio, making you stand out to potential employers or collaborators.
Working in teams during these jams helps you get better at collaboration, communication, and project management, while also expanding your professional network. The fast-paced nature of game jams hones your problem-solving and adaptability skills, which are crucial in game development. You'll often get feedback from peers and judges, providing valuable insights for improvement. It’s also a chance to try out new tools and techniques, broadening your skill set. The structured timeframe and clear goals can really boost your motivation, helping you finish projects you might otherwise abandon.
Of course, game jams are a lot of fun, reigniting your passion for game development and leaving you feeling accomplished and inspired. - Rob
Try a game jam game I made in 48 hours here:
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