February 25, 2022
Game Jam 2022 Provides Hands-On Experience
High school and college-aged students join industry professionals to make games March 11, 2022
ArtCenter College of Design will host the third annual Game Jam, an exciting weekend challenge for high school and college-aged students to take an idea from concept to playable game in 48 hours on the weekend of March 11 through the 13, 2022. Organized and led by ArtCenter’s Entertainment Design department’s Game Design track faculty, the virtual event will provide hands-on experience for youth to learn how to design video games, work in teams and gain valuable industry insight from professionals in the field.
“We’re thrilled to present the ArtCenter Game Jam for anyone interested in learning more about this very exciting and growing field,” said Christophe Gomez, a multitalented game producer and the director of the Entertainment Design program’s Game Design track. “Today’s game designers have the unprecedented opportunity to create and deliver unique interactive experiences to a wide audience, from hardcore gamers to very casual players.”
From Friday through Sunday afternoon, participants will work in teams to develop ideas for video games from concept to completion in just 48 hours. The event culminates with an award ceremony and online showcase that is welcome to all. The showcase will boradcast on Twitch. Throughout the weekend, participants will hear from special guest speakers, network with industry professionals, earn prizes and more.
The ArtCenter Game Jam is sponsored in part by Virtuos Games (virtuosgames.com).
“This will be our second year supporting ArtCenter’s annual Game Jam, and after seeing the level of creativity and collaboration last year we’re very excited to be involved again,” said Jake DiGennaro, General Manager of Virtuos North America. “The variety of concepts and styles, alongside the speed of ideation during these events provides both fresh and experienced developers an opportunity to explore ideas that otherwise may not have the opportunity to breath. Add in the aspect of meeting and playing around with new friends, frankly it’s just a good time all around.”
“It's my belief that Game Jams are one of the best ways to break through one's current skill ceiling when it comes to beginners looking to get into game design or game development,” said Simon Smith, a current game design student at ArtCenter. “It gives you a great point of reference for where your skills stand in the current market when compared to others who are also interested in the field.”
“I've met professional 3D modelers, programmers, musicians and hobbyists at Game Jams,” continued Simon. “I keep in contact with some of these people even after we've finished our original jam, and it's been super fun working together with so many new people...making work connections and friendships.”
Participants need to be 13 years old or older to participate. There is no cost to enter but participation is limited so it is important to register early. The Game Jam is primarily intended for high school and college-aged students but everyone is welcome.
For more information, please visit artcenter.edu/game-jam.
Social Media:
@artcenteredu
@virtuosgames
#virtuosgames
#makinggames
#gamedev
About Virtuos Founded in 2004, Virtuos is a leading content production company specializing in video game development and 3D art production. With operations in Singapore, China, Vietnam, Canada, France, Japan, South Korea, Ireland and the United States, Virtuos is home to more than 2,000 full-time professionals.
Virtuos is on a mission to shape the future of game creation, by sourcing the brightest global talent in art, engineering and game design, equipping them with industry-leading technologies, tools and technology, and empowering future game creators to collaborate with the best game companies globally.
Having worked with 18 of the top 20 entertainment companies across the globe, Virtuos continues to offer our art and co-development expertise to the biggest franchises in the world. Learn more about The Virtuos Experience here .
About Game Design at ArtCenter Game Design is housed within ArtCenter's Entertainment Design program, which offers a Bachelor of Science degree. The goal of the program is to produce game designers who will lead in a multidisciplinary setting and bring inventive experiences to life through storytelling, prototyping and problem solving. Entertainment Design students in the Game Design track focus on acquiring the technical skills necessary for competency in game design; gaining fluency in the phases of the production process; learning how to navigate between artistic expression, programming and design languages; and developing the ability to identify, understand and solve a client's complex design problems. A faculty of professionals teach students how to identify and understand various business models (e.g. premium, free-to-play, season passes) and how monetization decisions affect a game's design.
About ArtCenter College of Design Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, ArtCenter College of Design is a global leader in art and design education. ArtCenter offers 11 undergraduate and 10 graduate degrees in a wide variety of art and design disciplines. In addition to its top-ranked academic programs, the College also serves the general public through a highly regarded series of year-round online and on campus extension programs for all levels of experience. Renowned for both its ties to industry and its social impact initiatives, ArtCenter is the first design school to receive the United Nations’ Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status. Throughout the College’s long and storied history, ArtCenter alumni have had a profound impact on popular culture, the way we live and important issues in our society.
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Contact:
Teri Bond
ArtCenter College of Design
teri.bond@artcenter.edu
626 396-2385
