This year's game jam was the first time we offered both an on-site and online game jam simultaneously. The on-site jam took place at the Valtech Mobility office in Düsseldorf, while the online jam utilized a dedicated Discord server accessible to all participants.
On Friday, the game jam kicked off with an exciting opening presentation that got everyone ready to dive into the creative process. The main theme of the game jam was unveiled, and it was none other than the captivating and mysterious world of "Underwater".
Participants were not only encouraged to explore this theme but also given the opportunity to take their games to the next level by incorporating optional diversifiers. These diversifiers added an extra layer of challenge and creativity to the games, making them even more interesting and unique. As you play the games created during the game jam, keep an eye out for the clever use of these diversifiers and see if you can spot them in action.
🍭 I need my sugar: Add dessert somewhere in your game.
🎊 Festive spirit: Make something holiday-related (Whatever you celebrate).
👥 I rarely see my friends: Add something that reminds you of your friend.
🌐 Share it with your friends: Add a social feature.
💡 Make it accessible: Make a game that can only be played with one hand, or other limited input.
🪞 Mirror mechanic: Think of a game mechanic and reverse it!
🎶 Make some noise: Record your own sound effects.
Based on the information provided, the teams swiftly transitioned to our Miro board to brainstorm their game ideas and form teams.
In the following two days, the teams dedicated their energy and efforts to transform their ideas into tangible realities. For those participants who were physically present, we ensured that they were well taken care of by providing catering services. Additionally, Valtech Mobility graciously offered their spacious office as a social hub, allowing everyone to take breaks and recharge while enjoying the refreshments that were readily available.
We would like to express our deepest appreciation to all the individuals and organizations who played a vital role in making this event a resounding success. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Valtech Mobility Düsseldorf for graciously hosting us and generously providing us with drinks and snacks. We also extend our special gratitude to Ubisoft Düsseldorf and Limbic for their invaluable sponsorship of our catering services. Furthermore, we are immensely grateful to Embracer and PolyPirates for their contribution of game keys for our raffle, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. We truly value the trust and support that each of you have bestowed upon us.
As the event drew to a close on Sunday evening, all the games were submitted in a timely manner, ready for our grand closing celebration. During this wonderful occasion, we live-streamed the final results on our FemDevsMeetup Discord, allowing everyone to witness the outstanding creativity and remarkable outcomes that the teams achieved within such a limited timeframe. The games were a true testament to the talent and dedication of all the participants. Get ready to embark on an underwater adventure like no other and immerse yourself in the imaginative worlds crafted by these talented game developers!
Above all, our utmost desire is that all the participants had an unforgettable experience and the chance to forge new friendships that will endure beyond this event.
We look forward to seeing you again next year! The game jam orga and FemDevsMeetup team wish you all the best!
If you have not registered yet and want to celebrate the start of the Christmas season with us, join us in Frankfurt on December 1st! Jessica Kathmann will give a talk about "Creating Motivating Player Experiences". She is a psychologist researching the intersection of psychology and games.