Global Game Jam 2021

Get ready for our upcoming event, Global Game Jam! This year's edition of Global Game Jam will be held 29th - 31st January. Because COVID-19 is still wreaking havoc in the world, the jam will be held remotely in our Discord server. Also check out our Facebook event. Join our Itch.io!

To participate

• Join our Global Game Jam site.
• Join our Discord server.

Global Game Jam schedule

Friday the 29th

• 5.30pm
  • Pre-jam chill and watching Global Game Jam's presentation.
• 6.00pm
  • Introduction stream.
  • Brainstorming together with other jammers in Discord (similar to our physical jams).
  • Team forming.

Saturday the 30th

• 6.00pm
  • Half time review in Discord.
• 11.00pm
  • Night-chill with party games.

Sunday the 31st

• 6.00pm
  • Ending stream.
  • Deadline for uploading games to Itch.io and Global Game Jam's website.
  • Playtesting on Discord.

What is a game jam?

A game jam is an event where programmers, artists and gamers come together to create games; both computer games and board games. At our game jam there is a 48 hours time limit and a randomized theme for inspiration. Visit our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter for upcoming events!

Liu Game Jam archive

If you want to see what others have created, check out the games from our archive collection. You can also check out our old newsletters.

Who are welcome?

Everybody is welcome, student and non-student alike. No previous experience is needed and the event is free of charge.

Where are your events held?

Due to COVID-19 events might be held remotely via the LiU Game Jam Discord, see the specific event you are interested in for more information.

Our events are held at CreActive in Linköping. There is wireless internet, free tea, hot chocolate and coffee.

FAQ

• Can I sleep at the event?
  No. You are not allowed to sleep at CreActive.

• Is there food available?
  We will order food together during both Friday and Saturday evening. If you wish to be included, get your order in along with payment before 7 PM on both nights. Price ranges from 80~100 kr a dish, and you can pay by swish or card.
  There is free breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. Fruits, snacks, and hot drinks are available for free during the event. If you bring your own food, there are fridges and microwaves available.

• How are groups selected? Do I need a team?
  Groups will be randomized for brainstorming purposes, but you are free to work with whomever you like. The starting groups will allow you to find people sharing similar ideas. We make sure everyone finds someone to work with.

• Should I bring my computer or anything else?
  It depends on how you like to work. Bringing your own computer is up to you, although we recommend it. CreActive offers free wi-fi, ethernet cables and outlets. If you wish to purchase breakfast/lunch or join our common food order on friday or saturday evening, make sure to bring money. You can pay by swish or card.

• Do I need to be able to program?
  Not at all! Game design covers all kind of fields such as art, music, design, storywriting, level creation and problemsolving. Anyone who is eager to create is welcome.

Great tools

Tools for making computer games

• 3D (or 2D)

  • Unity (C#)
  • Godot (GDScript: Python-like syntax)
  • Unreal Engine (C++/Visual Scripting)

• 2D

  • Construct (Visual Scripting)
  • Pygame (Python)
  • Löve (Lua)
  • Haxeflixel (Haxe)
  • Scratch (Visual Scripting)

Tools for making graphics

• Blender 3D (3D modelling and more)
• MagicaVoxel (Voxel editor)
• Krita (2D drawing and animation)

Tools for making sound effects

• bfxr (Online old school sound effect generator)
• Sunvox (Modular synthesizer / tracker for music)
• BeepBox (Online chiptune music tracker)

Free game resources

• OpenGameArt.org (Public domain and creative commons game assets)
• Itch.io Game Assets

Tools for keeping track of work

• git
  • GitLab
  • GitHub
  • LiU GitLab
• SourceTree (frontend for git)
• Git kraken (cross platform frontend for git)