Malta Global Game Jam 24

January 26, 2024

What is The Malta Global Game Jam 2024?

Join us for an epic weekend of game development at the MCAST Resource Centre, MCAST Main Campus, Paola, Malta! The Malta Global Game Jam is back, and it's going to be bigger and better than ever before. Whether you're a seasoned game developer or just starting out, this event is for you.

Get ready to learn, collaborate, create, and unleash your creativity as you work alongside fellow game enthusiasts and industry mentors. With 48 hours of non-stop game development, you'll have the chance to bring your wildest ideas to life. From coding to design, sound to storytelling, there's a place for everyone in this exciting event.

But it's not all about work! Take breaks to recharge with delicious snacks and drinks available throughout the event. Connect with seasoned professionals, meet like-minded individuals, make new friends, and exchange tips and tricks. Who knows, you might even find your next game development partner!

So mark your calendars for The Malta Global Game Jam 2024. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of game development, learn new skills, and have a blast. Get ready to jam!

Sponsors

The Malta Global Game Jam 2024 has some awesome sponsors. A big thank you to our main sponsor GamingMalta - Home Of Gaming Excellence! Also on board are our other sponsors, Stargate Studios Malta and Playcon. Thanks to these sponsorship we can provide a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for participants, including better refreshments and goodies!

Expert Panel

During the weekend we will have available a distinguished panel of experts to help mentor our teams:
Francis Ghersci - Head of Creative at Stargate Studios Malta
Lionel Wood - Studio Art Director at Electric Square
Luca Spiteri Monsigneur - Designer for Dying Light 2 (Techland)
Lynda Mc Donald - Video Game UI/UX Design

So if you want to learn from experienced professionals, you know were to be!Keynote SpeakerIn addition we have the great pleasure to welcome an amazing keynote speaker, Audrienne Degiorgio lecturer at MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts and veteran of the Malta Global Game Jam!

Agenda

Friday 26th
15:00 - Doors open, jammers check-in
17:00 - Official start & Keynote presentation
18:00 - Ice breaking and group forming
19:00 - Guided brainstorming
20:00 - Teams start jamming!

Saturday 27th
11:00 - Setup of game project page
17:00 - Expert Panel Feedback
19:00 - Arcade hour playtest

Sunday 28th
15:00 - Game upload to website
17:00 - Jamming STOPS / Arcade hour playtest
18:00 - Closing ceremony
20:00 - Doors close

FAQ

I have never made a game, is this for me?
Joining a Game Jam is like your golden ticket to craft your very first game from scratch! Team up with folks who bring different skills to the table—programmers, artists, designers, musicians, you name it—and they could be pros or total newbies, just like you. In addition experts will be on hand to guide you all the way.

Where exactly is the jam being help?
The building is call the MCAST resource centre and is in the middle of the MCAST campus in Paola. You will find it on Google Maps as MCAST Library. The premises will stay open till the jam ends on Sunday evening.

Do I need a team?
We encourage participants to make a team on the spot, but you're welcome to bring along your friends. We've allocated ample time at the start of the jam to introduce yourself, pitch your ideas and to find people to jam with.

Do I bring my own equipment?
Yes! Bring any computers, laptops, musical instruments, stationary or anything else you think could be used to make a game. We'll give you access to WIFI, electrify outlets and plenty of space to work in.

What about food?
We'll provide some light snacks and drinks. There are also some vending machines around campus, and you are free to order in food any time you want.

Where do I sleep?
You have the choice to either go home or come back in the morning, or if you want to spend the night over you’re welcome to do so! In that case you should think about bringing a sleeping bag or folded mattress with you.

Is there a theme?
The Global Game Jam organisers have a secret theme that they will reveal at the beginning of the jam. All the jammers around the world will be making games that relate in some way to this theme.

What kind of game can I make?
The focus on the game jam will be digital games, but you are also to work on physical games like board and card games. For the latter you will have to provide your own supplies, but otherwise use any tools or assets that you can freely and legally share online. The Global Game Jam organisers have even created a great list of jamming resources to get you started.

Who owns the IP?
You and your team hold all rights to your game. At the end of the jam we’ll ask you to upload the executable and source code of your game (or instructions on how to replicate your non-digital game) to the Global Game Jam website under a Creative Commons, share, alter, no sell license.

Is it a competition?
Yeah, there’s a competitive aspect. At the end of the jam local game industry professionals will give feedback on your games and choose their favourite. We’ll also have a popular vote. But judging aside, our emphasis is on the creation of fun, experimental and innovative games.