I love a good game jam, but I must admit that I don’t get to partaking in as many of them as I’d like. The idea of creating a game (or in most cases, the core idea behind one) is exhilarating and challenging, and is sometimes the basis behind incredible independent projects such as BroForce, Ridiculous Fishing and Surgeon Simulator. So when there’s a chance for a new one, I want to be there – and that’s exactly what Free Lives is doing next weekend.
The developers of BroForce are hosting their own Game Jam next weekend, and it’s got a lot of the same DNA as Ludum Dare. Games submitted during the jam will be judged by a panel, and even have the chance to win their creators some sweet cash based on different categories. There’s a slot for students, hobbyists and even diverse developers (not the majority of straight, white males), so that everyone and anyone can make something and potentially be rewarded for it.
ENTRY CATEGORIES:
– Student (studying full time and have a student card)
– Hobbyist (not a student, but don’t make games for a living)
– Diversity (not a straight, white male) (PM us at the time of submission if you would like to opt into this category)
– Overall (open to all)
PRIZES:
– Student, Hobbyist and Diversity category winners will each receive R2000
– Best Art R2000
– Best Audio R2000
– Overall Winner gets R5000 AND a spot at EGE as part of the IESA stand to show their game
– An additional prize of a trip to AMaze JHB 2016 to be awarded at the judges’ discretion (this includes a flight to JHB from anywhere in SA and an entry ticket to AMaze, it excludes accommodation)
Of course, the real prize of a game jam is being able to work furiously on something you love, and be surrounded by like-minded people who share that same passion. Free Lives are opening up their living space to some jammers (although that might already be all booked up), but you’re welcome to participate from literally anywhere. Johannesburg might have it’s own venue at The Diz (the same venue as the A MAZE Festival last year), but don’t stress if you can’t make it there.
If that sounds interesting to you just hit up the Game Jam’s Facebook page and MakeGamesSA for all the details. It kicks off next Friday.
Last Updated: June 30, 2016
Ottokie
June 30, 2016 at 13:04
Best Audio R2000…
finally I have a use for my singing talent!
VampyreSquirrel
June 30, 2016 at 13:19
“Talent”
Pariah
June 30, 2016 at 13:50
Oh no the talent is real. It makes everyone leave. Without fail.
Admiral Chief Maximum Effort
June 30, 2016 at 14:04
“singing”
Open to interpretation/ridicule
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
June 30, 2016 at 13:07
Diversity (not a straight, white male)
http://gifsec.com/wp-content/uploads/GIF/2014/08/GIF-Conceding-Lumbergh-Office-Office-Space-OK-Ok-then-Uh-yeah-Umm-Well-then-GIF.gif?gs=a
Ottokie
June 30, 2016 at 13:10
That is pretty fooked up to be honest. Actually might just trigger me.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
June 30, 2016 at 13:16
Last I checked a straight white male formed the majority group in countries like the US, but whatever.
Ottokie
June 30, 2016 at 13:17
Suddenly this “Game Jam” has lost all their brownie points with me.
Admiral Chief Maximum Effort
June 30, 2016 at 14:04
^^
Geoffrey Tim
June 30, 2016 at 13:17
…It’s not like straight white blokes are excluded from the rest of the jam? It’s way to try and get other people in to making games, which can only be a good thing. The game dev industry is very white male centric, and more people making and playing games is good for us all.
Ottokie
June 30, 2016 at 13:19
Yes, but then give the category another name without the details clearly saying “(not a straight, white male)”
Geoffrey Tim
June 30, 2016 at 13:20
Why? It’s aimed at people who aren’t straight, white men.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
June 30, 2016 at 13:21
No issue with that, the more the merrier. It’s just that it comes across like they want the guys to wear armbands they way it was listed.
BakedBagel
June 30, 2016 at 14:57
You can encourage diversity in games without being fucking racist.
Geoffrey Tim
June 30, 2016 at 13:24
That’s the whole point, innit? And when it comes to game development, the world over they are the majority. Why not a category for games by other people, and that celebrate diversity?
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
June 30, 2016 at 13:44
Celebrate diversity, it’s a good thing. They just need to be a bit mindful. Imagine if I held a baking or sewing contest and had a category for just straight white men? I’m not trying to poke any bears, but people would take notice. But this isn’t my competition and they can do whatever they want as long as it’s for the betterment of gaming.
Alessandro Barbosa
June 30, 2016 at 13:52
If the baking and sewing industry was dominated by parties other than straight white men, then probably not. That’s kind of the point here 🙂 Not to slight anyone, but rather to encourage people who don’t currently form a part of local development demographics to maybe give it a shot
And like Geoff said, it’s one category. Out of three. It’s hardly a “you can’t be here because you’re white” thing. Encouraging diversity does not mean you’re shaming the majority 🙂
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
June 30, 2016 at 14:01
Agreed, fully. Just doesn’t read nice is all
BakedBagel
June 30, 2016 at 14:56
First time i have been triggered.
This is pretty fucking disgusting to be honest.
Fuck sakes. Only if you fit in this category can you take part.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
June 30, 2016 at 15:03
There is an open category at least and it gives the minorities in the industry a chance. It’s just that I’ve never read it so openly defined.
BakedBagel
June 30, 2016 at 15:04
So basically what this game jam is saying is, if you are a minority, you need your own specific category because you cant compete with the people this catergory excludes.
Which is pretty racist lmao
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
June 30, 2016 at 15:10
It’s not racist because everyone can compete, they just feel like different categories gives other people a chance to showcase their talents in a business which is dominated(apparently, I have no evidence) by white straight males….
Still doesn’t roll well off the tongue but there it is
BakedBagel
June 30, 2016 at 15:21
Ah well, it excludes white men, who cares Xd lmao??!!
Alessandro Barbosa
June 30, 2016 at 15:14
It’s a completely optional category. But sure, twist it to your desires
RinceThis
June 30, 2016 at 13:17
These game jams are a load of fun!
RinceThis
June 30, 2016 at 13:31
And these guys can still come up with something more original than another Pokeishmon game *runs