Game Design

To participate, sign up on [IDGA DC's 2026 Global Game Jam page](https://globalgamejam.org/jam-sites/2026/igda-dc-george-mason-university-2026) IGDA DC is hosting an in-person global game jam site at George Mason University! This site is in-person only, but is open to anyone, not just George Mason students. We will have volunteer faculty from George Mason University if you want a little bit of help on making your games, and we are open to game developers of all skill levels. Planned Schedule: Friday: 5:00 PM - Jammers arrive (Johnson Center Bistro) 5:30 PM-6:00 PM - Pre-jam Talks TBD 5:30-5:45 - Darian Stigall - related to creative play in game development 6:00 PM - Jam Introduction + Keynote/Theme Reveal 6:30 PM - Brainstorm and team forming 7:30 PM - Dinner 10:00 PM - Site closes Saturday: 9:00 AM - Site opens (Dewberry Hall South) 5:00 PM - Halfway point check-in & optional progress presentations 10:00 PM - Site closes Sunday: 9:00 AM - Site opens (Johnson Center Bistro) 4:00 PM - Submit games to GGJ site + Presentations 6:00 PM - Site Closes Getting there: DRIVING Paid parking is available on campus in the visitor garages at a cost of $11.50 per day. JOHNSON CENTER: Closest parking deck is the Mason Pond Parking Deck: 4500 Aquia Creek Ln, Fairfax, VA 22030 LOT K parking: A longer walk, but usually free on weekends Other George Mason Parking Information: https://transportation.gmu.edu/parking/#Visitors PUBLIC TRANSIT You can take the Orange line metro to the Vienna metro station, and the Gold1, Gold2, Green1, or Green2 buses to get to campus: https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/public-works/transportation-division/cue-bus-system/cue-bus-map-and-schedule Food Options: There are lots of food options on campus: https://content-service.sodexomyway.com/media/HOO%20Fall%202023%20%20%282%29_tcm1097-150428.pdf?url=https://masondining.sodexomyway.com/ If you don't want to have to go too far from the jam site or are worried about getting lost wandering around campus, you can order food using the Starship Robots available on campus which will deliver to the jam site: https://get.starshipdeliveries.com/u/patriots JOHNSON CENTER: Has Starbucks, Chipotle, Panera, and more Tech: You will need to bring your own computer equipment. We will provide outlets and surge protectors. Internet: \> Guest Wifi is available: connect to MASON\. Full details on how to get wifi available here: https://its\.gmu\.edu/knowledge\-base/guestwifi/ \> We strongly recommend that you download any programs like game engines you intend to use in advance\, so you don't have to be dependent on guest wifi speeds for those large downloads

**Location**: Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library (Virginia) Conference Room A game development **Working Session** involves 3 key parts: 1. Tell people what you're going to do 2. Actually do stuff 3. Show people what you did That's what we'll be doing for this meeting. We'll briefly tell each other what we're going to do, then work on our projects, then at around 5:30 wrap up to show each other what we did and chat for a bit. You don't have to stay the whole time, so feel free to drop in and out as you have time. All game development skill levels welcome. Whether you're bringing a game you're trying to ship in a month, or you're just planning on following some tutorials or trying out a new tool to improve your skills, use this time to make progress. Working sessions also train you to think about the scope of your work: pick a chunk of work that you can complete in the time that we have. That way you can end the working session with a feeling of accomplishment! **What to bring**: Laptop, Charger, maybe a power strip if you have one handy, any other game development tools you need. Try to download any software you need before the working session. There is Wifi at this location, but it may be slow if you have to download any large files.

Looking for a fun, screen-free way to spend your Sunday afternoon? Join us every other week at the Community Center for a few hours of friendly competition and laughter. Feel free to bring your own treasured game or borrow one from our shelves. It’s the ultimate low-pressure way for families to connect. Note: This is not a drop-off event. Please ensure children have a parent or guardian joining in on the fun.

Join local video game developers, artists, musicians and writers to talk about the art and science of game development. Bring a device and demo your game, talk shop, find like minded folks to join forces with, have a snack or a beverage among new friends. We are an informal meetup where we share what we've been working on and socialize. Come for all or just a bit of the time!

Games night is back! With our favorite local game store opening back up, Games night will come back starting Monday June 7th! We are an lgbt+ games group that’s been going for nearly 3 years now! We welcome anyone in the lgbt+ community to come play board games every Monday with our fun and chaotic crew! If you’re brand new to board gaming and looking to make some friends or if you love playing 4 hour space operas and are looking to make some rivals, we’re the group for you! We are an lgbt+ group that focuses on creating a safe lgbt+ community. Non-lgbt+ individuals are welcome when attending with an lgbt+ friend, family member, or partner. Huzzah hobbies currently follows cdc guidelines, where customers who are vaccinated are allowed to not wear masks indoors. With their current hours on Mondays, they are open until 9pm; if they change hours and remain open later, games night will continue until close. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to message us here!

HYBRID EVENT, VIRTUAL SPEAKER In this talk, Sean Hoar will explore the transformative journey of AI’s role in modern software engineering, from rapid prototyping (“Vibe Coding”) to strategic AI integration by skilled practitioners. It clarifies the distinctions between AI-assisted, AI-enabled, and practitioner-led approaches, offering insights into how developers can effectively adapt to and harness AI tools. The presentation also highlights recent advancements and practical strategies for leveraging AI in daily workflows and long-term development.