Virtual game jam kicking off

By Greg Bobinec on January 27, 2021.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDgbobinec@lethbridgeherald.com

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, organizers of the Global Game Jam were not deterred from continuing their annual worldwide event that brings together participants from over 100 countries to spend 48 hours with, to develop either an online or board game.
Lethbridge College has traditionally hosted the competition, but this year because of the pandemic, the competition has gone entirely online. The college will still be well represented as Allyson Cikor, an instructor in the Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) program, is one of the organizers of the events.
As well, the event has proven popular with students from both the VR/AR and Multimedia programs, as it is a chance to put their skills to work in a real-world environment.
“Whether you’ve never made a game before but would like to try, or you are an experienced developer, we invite you to join us online for the 2021 Global Game Jam,” says Cikor.
“Lethbridge and other jam sites around the world will be spending a weekend making games and meeting other local game developer enthusiasts. We’re here to create community, have fun and celebrate making games.”
Although Global Game Jam is a competition, it is an event that welcomes all skill levels to collaborate and explore ideas. Participants may participate as individuals or in teams, but are encouraged to get the most out of the jam by making friends and working alongside others. Pre-formed teams are allowed, and individuals will also have the chance to join teams at the event.
The Global Game Jam event will begin with a welcome and keynote ceremony at 6 p.m. today and the event wraps up with team presentations at 5 p.m. on Jan. 31.
With the event being online, participants will use Discord to connect to the local community. For more information on the international events and to register, visit globalgamejam.org/2021.

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