Game Jam events are aimed at developing a game from scratch within a limited time frame. These game development events can last as short as 24 or 48 hours or stretch to a week or even longer.

What is a Game Jam?

Game Jams are game development marathons. They are events where amateur and professional game developers come together within a specified timeframe to develop their own games around a particular theme. Game Jams run continuously during the event duration. In events that last for 36 or 48 hours, participants work nonstop on their projects at the event venue. The goal is to create a playable game, even at a simple level, within a limited time. While many Game Jams offer various prizes, the primary goal is to develop a game and have fun while doing so.

Game Jams are organized by various companies and communities at specific times throughout the year. Some of these events take place physically at a designated location, while many are digital events that allow participants to join from anywhere in the world.

What is the Purpose of Game Jams?

Game Jams are open events for participants of all levels interested in game development. The primary purpose of Game Jams is to bring together people interested in game development. This facilitates communication between professionals and amateurs working on game development. Apart from meeting other people in the gaming industry, Game Jams also test your time management skills. You need to use limited time efficiently. They encourage you to think differently to generate new ideas and find practical solutions to the problems you encounter during game development.

How to Participate in Game Jams?

You can participate in Game Jams individually or as a team. Some events may require team participation, while individual participants are encouraged to form teams. If you prefer to participate individually, you should have at least basic coding and design knowledge related to game development. If you join as a team, you can distribute responsibilities among your members.

Many Game Jams are held periodically throughout the year, so you should closely follow event dates and application deadlines. Some Game Jams are announced at least a few weeks before the event. If you're considering joining a Game Jam, you need to keep track of the events. The type and theme of the games to be developed at a Game Jam are usually announced beforehand. During the event, you're expected to code and design a game from scratch. You can plan the type of game you'll develop, but using code and designs prepared before the Game Jam is not allowed.

Where to Follow Game Jams

• Indie Game Jams: Indie Game Jams brings together dozens of online Game Jams for developers who want to participate. You can choose from the upcoming Game Jams and join the ones that interest you.
• Itch.io Jams: Itch.io, a platform where game developers can publish their games, also hosts Game Jams. You can find events organized by various game companies as well as Game Jams arranged by users among themselves.