Finnish Game Jam (FGJ) is part of the Global Game Jam 2010, collaboration between three Finnish sites. Finland is actively taking part in the Global Game Jam for the first time this year with three different locations! There will be one location in Helsinki, one in Tampere and one in Kajaani. We are anticipating that Finnish game design students and professional developers alike will take part in our national jamming session in all of these three locations!
What is a Game Jam?
A Game Jam brings together all types of game developers, amateur, professional and students, to innovate new games in a single weekend. Participants work in small teams, racing to produce as complete a game as possible with limited time and resources, but unlimited creativity. It’s a rollercoaster from the beginning to the end.
Global Game Jam
Global Game Jam is a worldwide event, in which several Game Jams are organized all over the world at the same time. The event lasts 48 hours, starting on January 29 at 17:00 GMT+13 (06:00 EST) in New Zealand and then at 17:00 local time in each time zone. All Global Game Jam sites have the same theme and the same series of constraints.
The first GGJ was held in 2009 with over 1600 participants in 23 countries, producing 370 games. In GGJ 2010 the aim is to triple the size.
GGJ is a volunteer run organization, created in collaboration between Susan Gold, Gorm Lai and Ian Schrieber. Do not hesitate to visit the GGJ website where you can find more information about the GGJ worldwide, examples of previous game jams and games.
Research
Tampere and Helsinki locations will also be conducting research on the development process, group formation, motivation factors and time-constrained creativity.
Participants info
What to bring with you?
First of all, you’ll need your beloved tool. It is strongly recommended that you will bring your own computer with you. It can be a laptop or a desktop. In Kajaani, the school provides computers, but you can also bring your own.
We will provide electricity, place for your stuff and internet connection. If you have speakers, a microphone, a web camera etc., you can bring those as well as they may prove useful.
If you come with your own computer, it is advised that you install beforehand the programs you anticipate you will need, as the installing process may take time. We will later provide a list of suggestions for some suitable programs.
Come without a team and without an idea! You don’t need to come with a team. On the contrary, all of the teams are formed on site, as are all of the ideas. Game jam is about collaborating with new faces.
If you are going to sleep on the site, it is advised to bring at least a sleeping bag or some kind of a blanket and a sleeping mat.
Also remember to bring your personal white eyeliner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW6vgW8wc6c
What is provided?
Locations will provide food for all participants. We will ask you to inform if you have any special diets.
Early bird registrants get a free Finnish Game Jam t-shirt.
See location-specific information of the sites on the Locations page.
