Global Game Jam Riga 2013

The event registration is closed.

What is the Global Game Jam?

The Global Game Jam is a game creating marathon where in 48 hours games are being created in more than 50 countries. This is the first time for the marathon to be held in Latvia. This is your chance! An opportunity to turn from a speaker into a doer in 48 hours, an opportunity to meet like-minded game creating enthusiasts and an opportunity to improve your game creating skills.

What is the goal of the Global Game Jam?

The main goal is gathering together to create a video game, a board game or a card game. In a flash participants make a prototype of a game based on the theme given at the beginning of the event. The task is to make a game from beginning to end in no more than 48 hours. Such a short period of time is chosen to encourage creative thinking, creating small but innovative and experimental games.

Sponsors of Game Jam Riga - Amber Games

Amber Games(www.ambergames.com) is the leading online game developer and publisher in the Baltic region. Company was founded in 2006, and today its portfolio offers the variety of online MMO, mobile, and social games in different genres: real time strategy games, fantasy RPG games, sport simulators. Amber Games most popular game is 1100AD(http://1100ad.com/) – browser RTS, which unites more than 1.8 million players worldwide, and has been translated into more than 27 languages. 1100AD has gained the status of the BBG site #1 Favourite Strategy Game 2012. Amber Games is the place where more than 80 talented game developers, artists and programmers work together and produce high quality games for the game fans all over the world. Amber Games will also provide mentors for the event. Anyone who is interested in game development career may try to apply at http://ambergames.com/en/careers

When is the Global Game Jam?

This year it starts on January 25th at 17:00 and ends on January 27th at around 19:00.

How much does the participation cost?

The participation is free of charge. However, be aware that the number of participants is limited.

What will I need?

A portable computer of your own is absolutely necessary, an extension cord will be useful too. Make sure that your computer has all the necessary tools set up, there won't be much bandwidth available. WiFi and electricity will be provided on spot. Drinking water will be available at the venue, however, you will probably have to take care of the food yourself.

Were the Global Game Jam will take place?

The event will take place in Raiņa Bulvārs 19, the main building of University of Latvia, The Faculty of Computing, 3d floor.

Do I have to make the team by myself?

No. Teams are formed on the venue. However, it's not prohibited to come with your friends. Just make sure they get registered.

Do I have to have professional experience?

No. Everyone is welcome, just make sure you have your vision of what would you like to do. If you are the designer - have all the necessary graphic editors set up on your laptop. If you are a programmer, take a note: The main purpose is to focus on the idea, not the game engine itself. Whether you want to make an engine is up to you, but we would advise against spending too much time on making a game engine. For example, you can use one of the following engines:

• Fan of android or iOS? You may want to try http://www.coronalabs.com/
• Like c++? http://www.cocos2d-x.org/
• Using flash? http://flixel.org/
• Feel free to choose one of your own, there are no restrictions

Do I need special skills to participate?

Although having computer skills is helpful, code experience is not necessary. Designers, developers, artists and anyone is welcome to try their hand at making a game during the GGJ.

I think that my social skills are not good enough

Don't worry! Just as you we all are game creating enthusiasts. We are sure to reach an understanding. All team forming procedures will be carried out on the spot. Just remember to have a good attitude towards others.

Would I have to work all 48 hours?

No. Though it is not forbidden, it is not recommended. Sleeping 5-6 hours a day you'll increase your productivity. It's better to plan your work time within the team. There won't be much space where to sleep, but if you're not from Riga and do not have a place to stay, feel free to take a risk by having a sleeping bag with you. The building will be open for the participants all 48 hours.

What will happen to my work?

The team/makers of the game hold all IP rights. However, the Global Game Jam may use the games for demonstration as it sees fit. All games must be posted in the condition they are in as of the close of the GGJ event (Sunday). If the team/makers of the game wish to upload subsequent versions, they are welcome and we will host and archive them. All participants and all games entered for GGJ must agree to a Creative Commons, share, alter, no sell license.

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