Global Game Jam 2017

 

GLOBAL GAME JAM 2017: Kuwait
19-21 January 2017 @ Dasman Complex

What is it?
A game jam is an event for developing games, whether video games, tabletop or otherwise. Global Game Jam is one of the biggest game creation jams! Its three days long. On the first day, we will announce the theme of this years game jam, and then let everybody make games!

So tl;dr, register here:
http://globalgamejam.org/2017/jam-sites/kuwait-sirdab-lab-global-game-jam

Who is it for?
Game developers, artists, designers, musicians, sound engineers, testers everyone, really. Anyone who’s interested in joining a team and participating is welcome. Spectators are welcome to join too, especially if you want to hear the talks. However, due to limitations in space, we can only guarantee seating for participants and team members during the team forming and development parts. Sorry!
So if youve ever dreamed of making a game but didn’t know where to start (or thought you don’t have the skills yet), you can show up, join a team and give it a go. Everybody welcome regardless of previous experience.

Whats the schedule for this event?
Thursday (15:30 to 23:00):

  • 15:30 18:00 Check in and tech and art talks
  • 18:30 19:00 Coffee break
  • 19:00 20:00 Announcements, including the jam theme, & Keynote
  • 20:00 23:00 Team forming, idea pitching, and game\user profile creations

Friday (13:00 to 23:00):

  • 11:00 Deadline for profile creations
  • 18:00 19:00 Playtest each other’s games

Saturday (09:00 to 23:00)

  • 18:00 Deadline for game submission
  • 19:00 Game presentations and demos

Where is it?
Sirdab Lab was kind enough to provide us with the location for the whole duration of the event.
Sirdab Lab is located in the basement of Dasman complex:

https://goo.gl/maps/3esGDHMYQv62

What skills do I need to participate? Do I have to be a professional video game developer?

Even though it might help to have some computer skills, its not vital. Musicians, game artists, designers, or cheering squads theyre all essential parts of making a game.
You can come in and help your team with things like filing, documenting, and testing that saves time for the team and helps them concentrate on developing their game, but pick one, floaters aren’t accepted.
If you know how to use image editing software, you’re technically ready as an artist.
If you know how to trim audio clips, you’re technically ready as a sound artist.
If you know how to make simple 8-bit tracks, you’re technically ready as a musician.
See the pattern?
This event is for hobbyists and enthusiasts to learn, collaborate with each other, and have fun just making games with people who share the same interests.

What facilities and equipment will be available and what should I arrive with?
There is a small counter for coffee and snacks, but there are many restaurants available around us. Toilets are on the mezzanine floor.
We’ll be providing Internet connection, but we’d prefer if you can bring your own hotspot with you [and share it!]. We can’t guarantee how good the available connection will be.
Otherwise: bring your own things, your own computer, food, internet hotspot, power outlet, thinking hat (some of us do that), a teddy bear (or a rubber duck for rubber duck debugging). Bring anything that you think may help you perform better.
Note to musicians and people who will require larger equipment: we might not be able to accommodate all instruments or equipment due to space and noise limitations. Because of the proximity of other shops to the Sirdab Lab venue, please be courteous in using your equipment while on site; be prepared to perform indoors only.

Am I limited to specific software?
No. You can use whatever tool you prefer. Heres a sample to get you started:

Game engines:

Graphics programs:

Audio programs:

The Global Game Jam also provides a list of free/trial software if you are not sure where to start.
http://globalgamejam.org/jammer-resources
If you have your own set of tools or you’ll build the game natively, that’ll be amazing and dont forget, tabletop and board games are welcomed too!
Whatever you decide, make sure you have everything you need downloaded and set up on your machine ahead of time.

Can I join with a team?
No. After pitching ideas on Thursday, you’d eventually join a team. Global Game Jam is all about working with strangers who share similar passions and interest and making new friends.

Great! How do I join?
Just register at Global Game Jam’s website and join our site through this link:
http://globalgamejam.org/2017/jam-sites/kuwait-sirdab-lab-global-game-jam

Who owns my game?
You, as a team, own your game, but the jam requires you to submit all the assets you created and scripts you wrote during the event.
The Global Game Jam may use the games for demonstration as it sees fit.

Remarks
This event is mostly for fun. Problems and conflicts happen, we disagree while working, and during the period of the event you might get a little stressed, but just remember to enjoy yourself and let the others have a good time too.

For more info about the event, visit the Global Game Jam FAQ page
http://globalgamejam.org/faq
If you still have questions, hit us up on our Twitter accounts below, see you soon!