Game development was taken to a new level at the inaugural Games Jam held at the Northern Sydney Institute, part of TAFE NSW in early December.
On Tuesday 3 December, twenty-two eager gamers came together for 48 hours of non-stop thinking, creating and programming to produce the best new computer game.
Gamers included students, teachers and the wider community, who worked together in groups to create some interesting new concepts. The competition was friendly, but intense.
Makeshift sleeping quarters were used sporadically, as most tried to push through the 48 hour time limit with soft drink, lollies and caffeine. According to head teacher, Ms Seinwai Chew, allowing the creative process to develop without time restrictions was an important element.
“As a leading provider of vocational training, with a huge emphasis on practical skills, the Games Jam was an exciting initiative. The event gave students and the wider community the opportunity to experience working in a creative environment where they could exchange ideas and produce material to add to their portfolios,” said Derek Pola, Faculty Director Information Technology, Media and Business, the Northern Sydney Institute.
“We are proud to offer the latest facilities and technologies at our St Leonards Campus to ensure that our students become work ready graduates. To extend this to a wider audience, as we have with the Games Jam, is something that we look forward to continuing,” he said.
The winning game was “6 flavours of jam” and was developed by David Kilford, Dan li, Viet Cuong Le and Mohamad Abdallah. The team is currently adding the finishing touches so that it can be posted online for the public to play.
Following the success of the 2013 Games Jam, plans are underway to make this an annual event with a number of other more specifically themed jams to be scheduled throughout the year.
The Northern Sydney Institute is currently enrolling for game design courses for 2014. For more information, call 131 674 or visit www.nsi.edu.au