GCU hosts Scottish Game Jam for 11th year running

GCU played host to the Scottish strand of the world’s biggest games-creation event this past weekend – bringing staff, students and game developers together for the 11th year running.

The Global Game Jam is the world's largest game creation event which takes place around the world at various locations including as America, Egypt, Spain and Germany.

Over 130 game developers from across the country came together in the Sir Alex Ferguson Library to take part in the challenge which involved making a game in just 48 hours. The theme this year was “Repair” which was announced on Friday, January 31 to every team taking part around the globe.

Second year Computer Games (Design) student Riccardo Testa explained his team’s idea and why he enjoys taking part in the Game Jam.

He said: “This is the second year I have taken part in the Game Jam. I did it last year and had a lot of fun and convinced friends on the course to take part this year.

Our game is about a player who is about to finish playing a game, however the game itself didn't want to let the relationship with the player to finish. The game traps the player inside and makes it more difficult by changing the game controls, meaning that the player can never “escape”.

Even if you haven't worked in a team before, taking part allows you to see what it's like to be in a team and how different types of roles can come together. This is a great place to meet likeminded people who are doing the same course or work as you.”

Media & Communications students Heather Meechan and Sarina Vlaytchev filmed a documentary at this year’s Scottish Game Jam. You can watch their documentary here

By Rachael McAlonan

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