Global GameJam Hull is picking up speed. Registrations are coming in thick and fast but we still have room for more. We want to fill Hull Studio School to bursting with folks who are keen to make games and have fun. We were down at the venue making plans today and we’ve got most things sorted out, thanks to some sterling work from Tom, Simon and team. Networks have been tested and upgraded, venues selected and a fantastic poster designed (thanks for that Lewis, love the critic with the scary eyebrows). All we need now is you. If you aren’t convinced that you need to take part I’ve jotted down fifty reasons why I think you should come along.
- You will learn stuff.
- You will make stuff.
- You will meet interesting people.
- Including me.
- And Simon.
- We will have professional game developers taking part.
- And game publishers.
- Taking part will give you something to talk about at job interviews.
- And to put into your portfolio.
- There will be Free Food.
- And Drinks.
- You might win a big prize.
- Or a little one.
- There will be toys to play with.
- Including networked Xbox Gaming
- You might get worldwide fame and recognition.
- Or you might just get your next job.
- It only costs five pounds to register.
- You might get to play with crayons.
- We will let you write on the walls. (at least some of them)
- You can bring your friends with you.
- You can make some new friends too.
- You can forget completely about the outside world for 48 hours.
- You might become a viral sensation because of your awesome turn on our live webstream.
- You can make a board game if you like.
- Or bring one along and play it.
- You get to see what other people are up to in this area.
- And maybe even start a company with them.
- You get to take part in a worldwide event.
- It will be nice and warm.
- You can wear what you like (But please wear something).
- You will get a shiny nametag to wear.
- There will be movies to see.
- And some breakout presentations.
- You can even choose the subjects of the talks.
- You might meet a childhood hero.
- Or become one.
- You can stay the whole 48 hours if you like.
- Or you can sneak off home for a shower and a power nap.
- You get to choose your pizza toping (But not too many anchovies, OK?)
- We will have fizzy drinks and sweeties available (great at 4:00am).
- You can bring your guitar if you like.
- There will be nobody there playing the accordion. (Unless you like the accordion, in which case we will try to get someone in. Or your could bring yours at a pinch)
- You can mention it on Facebook.
- And maybe even blog about it.
- And Tweet too.
- The more people that come along, the more fun it will be.
- TV on a Saturday night is rubbish now that Strictly has finished.
- It might just change your life.
- It is certainly a great way to fill 48 hours of it.
Actually, if you are serious about getting into game development I really think you should come along. When you go for a job, and you are sitting alone on your side of the big desk, they are going to ask you something like “What have you done with your life?”. You could easily spend half an hour talking about the fun you had at GlobalGameJamHull, the people you met, and that silly game you published as a result. As you say those things you will see the interviewers checking things off in their heads “Works well in a team – check”, “Likes making games – check”, “Not afraid to put their ideas out there – check”. And so on.
I can’t guarantee that going to GlobalGameJamHull will change your life. But I can guarantee that if you don’t go, you’ll miss out on the chance that it could.
Sign up at http://globalgamejamhull.com/
