Get Your Game Face On - This Is Global Game Jam Accra 2017!

What’s the Global Game Jam?

Good question. Before that, what’s a game jam? I recently found out. It is a gathering of people for the purpose of planning, designing, and creating one or more games within a short span of time, usually ranging between 24 and 72 hours. Global Game Jam?

It is the world’s largest game jam event taking place around the world at physical locations. Think of it as a hackathon focused on game development.

That’s according to the organizers.

Why Global Game Jam Accra?

To foster new friendships, increase confidence and opportunities within the game dev community. So think of all the good reasons to attend a hackathon but gear that towards making games. It is also an intellectual challenge that stimulates collaboration.

When?

January 20 -22. It’s a two-day event.

Where?

Global Game Jam Accra at iSpace Accra in Labone

There are two sites in Ghana you should absolutely check out. There’s iSpace in Labone, the co-working space from where one of the hosts, GameNerd (who have been at this since 2015) stay scheming and IGDA. The other location is Ashesi University. You have to register to participate; it’s free. You can either register for iSpace here or Ashesi here.

Other spots across the continent include Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, South Sudan, Tunisia, and Zambia. Either click on the specified countries or this link and manipulate the country dropdown for a full list of sites in these countries.

You should also check out Global Game Jam’s Facebook page to connect with other developers.

Who?

Anyone 18 and above.

Headline sponsors are tobii Eyetracking and Unity. Other sponsors include Unreal Engine, Intel Software, GitHub, Game Lab, Sketchfab, Facebook and other big names, so you know this is legit and serious fun.

Here’s a recap of last year’s jam by GameNerd for your viewing pleasure. You can also find extra juicy information over at Accra Connect.

Come let’s jam!