The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will not deter organizers of the Global Game Jam. The annual worldwide event brings together participants at more than 800 locations across more than 100 countries to spend just 48 hours developing either an online or board game.
While Lethbridge College has traditionally hosted the competition, this year the action has gone entirely online. The college will still have strong representation as Allyson Cikor, an instructor in the Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) program, is one of the organizers. As well, the event has proven popular with students from both the VR/AR and Multimedia Production programs, as it’s a chance to put their skills to work in a real-world environment.
“Whether you've never made a game before but would like to try, or you are an experienced developer, we invite you to join us online for the 2021 Global Game Jam,” says Cikor. “Lethbridge and other jam sites around the world will be spending a weekend making games and meeting other local game dev enthusiasts. We’re here to create community, have fun and celebrate making games.”
Global Game Jam is an inclusive, non-competitive event. Participants may participate as an individual or team but are encouraged to get the most out of the jam by making friends and working with or alongside others. Pre-formed teams are allowed, and individuals will also have the chance to join teams at the event.
Beginning with a welcome and keynote on at 6 p.m. on Jan. 27, the event wraps up with team presentations at 5 p.m. on Jan. 31. With the whole event going online, participants will use Discord to connect to the local community. Learn more on the Lethbridge Global Game Jam site.