Students tackle games challenge
EDGE Hill’s computer science department has again hosted the Global Game Jam, where 50 students from computer science and creative writing courses joined together in groups to create a video game in 48 hours.
The Global Game Jam (GGJ) is the world’s largest global game creation event.
It exists to celebrate the growth of an idea that, in today’s heavily connected world, people could come together, be creative, share experiences and express themselves in a multitude of ways using video games.
In its 10th year, GGJ 2018 saw 42,800 participants create 8,606 games across 803 sites in 108 countries.
Participants around the globe gathered at 4pm on Friday, January 26, to watch a special keynote from Chaosium’s Mike Mason.
The challenge was straightforward: conceive, design, develop, and playtest a digital or non-digital game on the theme of transmission
The groups then had two days to take the theme and design, develop and create a finished video game, while working online alongside professional developers from the global gaming community.
Third-year creative writing student Francesca McMahon said: “It was one of the best experiences I’ve had at university. Not only did I get to work with close friends of mine, I also made some new ones as well.
“My favourite part was all of us becoming invested in our game that we’re considering continuing work on and possibly commercialising.
“If you’re an aspiring games writer or designer, the Games Jam is where you want to be to get that experience.”
This is the second time Will Bennion has taken part in the challenge.
Will, who is studying for a masters in computing, said: “It was really good fun and I got to meet other students who also have a passion for making and playing games.
“While it may sound silly, I also enjoyed staying up late trying to figure out why the code wouldn’t compile. I would definitely encourage other students to take part next year.”
The finished games are available online on the Global Game Jam’s website.