Cambridge Game Jam - JAMbridge

Hey Folks! So the games community itch.io is hosting a game jam this month in collaboration with Ludum Dare, a massive online gamejam usually involving thousands of people. A WHAT?

For any of you wondering/haven't been to one before, a gamejam is a fantastic opportunity to take a break from your current projects and work on something new and exciting, with usually a random mix of designers, programmers and musicians. A theme is decided and teams work over a nail bitingly short period of time to build something amazing, bizzare and fun.

If you want to read up some more about game jams, here's an article that was written by Alex a while back about the benefits of attending game jams! http://fireside.gamejolt.com/post/game-jams-the-tastiest-kind-of-jam-kfwc4yhg

Here's a summary of that:

1. Get a vertical slice of games production
2. Finishing a project feels super good
3. Grows your skills from juggling roles
4. Working with a diverse mix of skills
5. Opportunity for experimentation with minimal risk
6. Method of testing potential teamates
7. Break from the grind of regular projects
8. And of course ITS SUPER FUN.

WHERE?

Whilst these are more often hosted in digital spaces, working in the same space gives you an opportunity to meet folks from the Cambridge community and collaborate. They're super fun and well worth getting involved with!

This event will take place in Makespace's classroom.

WHO CAN TURN UP?

Programmers, artists, designers, musicians, sound designers, voice actors, if you want to get involved, there's likely a place for you at the event! If you're interested but aren't sure about whether you'll be suited, please do get in touch and I'll be happy to advise! This can be your first or 100th jam, all are welcome. NOTE: This event is 18 or over only. WHEN?

Whilst the game jam runs for 3 days, we'll be doing two of those - Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 28th of August. Here's a light schedule of how the event will pan out, it's pretty loose but these kinds of events really just need a briefing at the start, a conclusion at the end and the rest is pretty loose!

SATURDAY
9:30am Folks arrive -> 10:00am Theme announced and teams assembled -> Work -> 12:00am-1:00pm Lunch -> Work -> Pizza 7:00pm -> Work -> 9:00pm -> SLEEP

SUNDAY
10:00am Work -> Lunch -> Work -> Dinner -> Work -> 6:00pm -> Upload, play each other's games and go for a drink! HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

Simple! Sign up for the event and turn up on the day! It's a fiver on the door which we'll be putting towards pizza on Saturday night. (And saves the money going to eventbrite!).

You'll need to bring a couple of things with you:

• Yourself!
• A computer (We'll have some spare equipment with us but it's likely going to be pretty low spec!)
• A packed lunch/money to grab lunch
• Extention Cables/Plug Splitters
• Memory Sticks
• Notebook/Pens
• Any equipment you need to work!
• Friends if you want, doesn't matter if not!

WHO RUNS IT?

Jambridge is being run by Katy Marshall and Alex Johansson. Both of us have attended and run many game jams in the past and we're hoping to encourage regular events as such in the Cambridge area. I hope you can make it along to the event, we'll be aiming to run one of these each month!