The Co-Create Game Jam

The jam will be judged through a voluntary submission of projects through the game jam’s itch.io page at https://www.itch.io/. All teams who submit will receive qualitative feedback on their projects, with highly enjoyable games receiving specific kudos for their efforts.

Importantly, as this jam is intended to stress accessibility and participation, the majority of prizes will be provided as random draws. The only stipulation is that project teams must submit a final project for evaluation by judges.

There will be several categories in which individuals can submit their jam projects:

• AI/ML Game/Tools

  • Teams who submit in this category will receive feedback relating to how well their game used AI for production/content development, or in gameplay. If teams submitted a tool, their tool will be evaluated on the basis of its utility.

  • Teams who have submitted an AI/ML Game/Tool will also have an opportunity to showcase their games at Amii’s Upper Bound during an IAA event in May.

• Impact Game

  • For teams submitting an impact game, they will be evaluated on the extent to which their game can create awareness around a social need, or if the game is capable of modifying social-impact behaviours. Categories for evaluation will include: “gameplay,” “social impact,” and “adherence to theme.”

  • Teams who submit in this category will have a chance to showcase their game on the GDX Main Stage at K-Days.

• Tabletop Game

  • Tabletop game submissions will be evaluated on the basis of “appropriateness for target audience,” “ease of understanding,” “mechanics,” and “adherence to theme.”

  • Teams who submit a tabletop game will receive feedback on the viability of their game as a market product, and potential improvements to bring the product to market.

  • For teams submitting tabletop games, they will need to provide two of the following three requirements: a rulebook, a slide-deck detailing how to play the game, or a video explainer.

  • Teams who submit in this category can take advantage of an opportunity to showcase their game at a board game cafe in 2024.

• Market-Viable Game

  • Teams who submit in this category believe that their game will have a viable market, and will be evaluated on the basis of: “aesthetics (sound & graphics),” “gameplay,” and “market viability according to target market.”

  • Teams who submit their market viable game will receive feedback on the basis of improving the game toward saleability.

There will be merit-based awards for the following categories:

• Kindness Award

  • This award will be given to teams whose members’ self-evaluations demonstrate co-operation, working together, and empathy in pursuit of their goals.

• Innovation Award

  • This award will be given to teams who took big risks in implementing a highly innovative feature or gameplay mechanics.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Anyone can participate! While our focus is on the province of Alberta and post-secondary students, this game jam is open to the general public. Underaged participants are welcome to participate online only. Experience is not necessary. Designers, developers, artists, musicians, knitters, and gardeners are all encouraged. You can participate on a team of up to five individuals. Your team can be comprised of individuals from any discipline, although we highly recommend having a blended interdisciplinary team of individuals who can program, design, and create art/sound/writing assets.

​

WHAT IS THIS?

"Jam" is a reference to musical jam sessions. Similarly, the goal with a "game jam" is to come together and make a videogame, or a non-digital (analog) game like a board game or card game. Participants rapidly prototype game designs and inject new ideas to create a new product or tool. A game jam is a collaborative opportunity to connect with other game developers to build a game under specific constraints. The Co-Create Game Jam is a judged by request game jam; participants' projects being will be judged by a panel of expert AI researchers, game developers, and members of industry. Winners will receive a variety of prizes, including up to five All Access GDX 2024 Conference passes ($1,250 CAD value), redeemable at the GDX 2024 Conference taking place Edmonton, Alberta.

​

WHEN IS THE GAME JAM THIS TAKING PLACE?

The Co-Create Game Jam is taking place from 5 PM on February 16 to 8 PM on February 18, 2024. 

​

WHERE IS THE AI GAME JAM GOING TO BE?

The Co-Create Game Jam is a hybrid game jam, meaning that you can participate both online and in-person. The in-person home base will be on the University of Alberta campus. For those who attend in person, there will be snacks and light beverages available for you. Online and in-person participants will be asked to join a Discord server ahead of time.

​

WHY INCLUDE AI IN A GAME JAM?

Not only is Alberta is a world leader in AI research, but we also have a plethora of incredibly talented game developers who call this province home. As a result, we want to highlight both our expertise in AI, and game development talent.

​

HOW DOES THIS GAME JAM EXIST?

The Co-Create Game Jam is a collaboration between the University of Alberta's Games Den and Interactive Arts Alberta.