Someone once said that videogames might be the most complicated piece of software for any programmer. Games combine just about every facet of software design and engineering plus require a deft touch in design and implementation to not only get a properly working game, but an enjoyable one. It’s no wonder the hardest part about making games is finishing. Once someone gets started on a game the list of tasks to complete can become overwhelming.
Making a game takes a lot of work and completing a game can seem impossible. It’s why keeping projects (especially independent or garage games) small and manageable is so routinely stressed by members of the development community. Throwing yourself headfirst into building a MMO is just asking for bad things. Projects which are collaborations also tend to succeed more than solo affairs. Working together even with one or two other people can enormously increase motivation and productivity. All these things work together towards one important goal: finishing that damn game!
Game jams are such an event where both of these aspects come together. Game jams by their nature force you to build small games in small teams in a compressed timeframe. And even if people don’t end up making classics, they leave the experience with the knowledge and experience working on a complete game from start to finish, experience that can prove invaluable even on projects with larger scopes than a game jam game.
There’s been countless iterations and variations of game jams held around the world. And now there’s the Global Game Jam, a 3-day event to be held in next year where people and groups around the world will get their game development hats on all at once (or approximately at once) to celebrate games and game development.
Game jams are typically a wonderful experience. You meet all sorts of people interested in development with their own unique skills and experience levels. The games tend to be quirky and interesting and sometimes even fun. So check out the Global Game Jam and see if there’s a location near you (and a Triangle area North Carolina one coming soon!) and join in on the wonderful magical journey we call game development.
You know, before you become disenchanted and sick of the whole thing.
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