Get Creative At the Global Game Jam

Innovate. Experiment. Collaborate

Global Game Jam (GGJ), happening this year is one of the largest events happening in Orange County. You can think of the GGJ event as a hackathon focused on game development. The development of the idea that is tightly connected all around the world. People unite, be creative, share experiences and use video games to express themselves in many ways-it’s a collective approach.

The weekend in Orange County is going to be creative with jamming while exploring the development process of programming, iterative design, narrative exploration, or artistic expression. All of this is condensed into a 48-hour development cycle.

GGJ encourages people from all backgrounds to participate and contribute to the global spread of game development and creativity.

The GGJ has structured the jam to meet everyone on Friday evening, watch short video keynotes, and listen to suggestions from leading game developers before announcing a secret theme.

Then, all sites around the world face the challenge of making games based on the same theme, and the games must be completed on Sunday afternoon. In January 2019, they created 9,010 games on the weekend in 860 locations in 113 countries! GGJ 2020 is somewhere near you from January 31st to February 2nd, if not, you can make one yourself.

More like some of the other Orange County events, Jam is known for helping build new friendships and increasing confidence and opportunity within the community.

The jam has always been an intellectual challenge. People are invited to explore new technological tools, try to develop new characters, and test their skills to complete the work that requires them to design, develop, test and produce new games within 48 hours.

More information

Website: https://transformativeplay.ics.uci.edu/2020-global-game-jam-at-uci/

Entrance Fee: None

When: January 31 to February 2, 2020

Hours:  Open for the entire 48 hours

Who Can Participate:  Anyone 

Age limit: 18+ only

Food Options: Access to food in close vicinity only. Drinks and snacks will be provided on-site.

Registration Website: https://transformativeplay.ics.uci.edu/2020-global-game-jam-at-uci/

Maximum Capacity for participants:  300

GGJ encourages cooperation, not competition.

Global Game Jam event is run by Global Game Jam, Inc., an international non-profit company based in San Luis Obispo, California. Its mission is to promote game design and game education through innovative activities.

The Global Game War is run by hired employees, members of the Volunteer Committee, and a small international volunteer team composed of the “Executive Committee” (EC).

GGJ employees:

• Kate Edwards, Executive Director
• Executive Producer Jo Summers
• Zain Ul Hassan, Technical Manager

GGJ 2020 Executive Committee (led by Joe Summers):

• Jung-Sheng (also known as Johnson Johnson)
• Sabrina Culyba
• Gwen Foster
• Tim Cullins
• Elif Karaata
• Hernan Valdes

The EC is supported by a large number of regional organizers who provide support for all local GGJ site organizers in their specific region.

GGJ Board of Directors:

• Joseph Olin (President)
• Susan King (Vice President)
• Hossem Amor (Treasurer)
• Justin Berenbaum
• Ashley Brown
• Alexander L. Fernandez
• Foaad Khosmood
• Gorm Lai

GGJ relies on the charitable work and support of many others around the world-including sponsors, jam site organizers, and volunteers.

If you want to volunteer, sponsor, or other assistance with Orange County events like the GGJ, please contact at help@globalgamejam.org!

Toyota of Orange, the number 1 dealer of Toyota cars for sale in Orange County, sponsors this blog.