With 1650 participants last year across 14 different time zones and 54 venues, the GGJ produced 370 games in just 48 hours. For 2010, the goal is to triple the size of the event to 150 locations and more than 3,000 participants. The 2010 GGJ will take place January 29-31, 2010.
“We’re looking to make the 2010 Global Game Jam even more global, with more games, more people, more interaction, more fun, innovation and creativity,” said Susan Gold, founder of the Global Game Jam. “Now is when we’re starting the search for new venues, leaders and sponsors to grow the event and draw attention to the amazing diversity and talent in game development around the world.”
Game Jams foster innovation and experimentation. If you have ever wanted to make a game, be a part of a team, or go outside of your usual working method, then a game jam is for you. It’s all about making games and in the GGJ you’re part of a global experiment in creativity. A game jam is not for the faint of heart though. It’s two days of hard work, experimentation, little sleep, collaboration, cramped quarters, new friends, great idea, laughs, technical issues and the time of your life.
Everyone is given similar constraints and rules, but each time zone will get one unique constraint to make their games just a little different and culturally diverse. The Nordic Game Jam has honored GGJ with being the flagship Game Jam. The goal is to provide a vehicle for professional developers, students and hobbyist to come together and have an incredible experience in collaboration and inventiveness. A Game Jam is not a competition, it is unique "idea space" where sometimes things work and sometimes they don't.
For details on how to become a host location in your city or town, check out the Global Game Jam website.