Career

Game Jam

A short event to make a game as a team

Also known as: Game jams · Global Game Jam · Ludum Dare · Itch.io jam · Jam portfolio

Definition

A game jam is an event where individuals and small teams make a complete game in a short time, often a weekend, around a theme given at the start. Jams are held online and in person, with well-known events such as Global Game Jam, and games are shared on sites such as itch.io. For artists they are a way to practice working fast, collaborate with programmers and designers, and finish something playable, which shows studios that you can deliver and work in a team.

In production

Join a team, agree on a small, simple scope, and focus on a clear style that can be made fast, such as stylized, low-poly or painted assets. Set an art pipeline early with naming, scale and import rules, so assets work in the engine. Show the result in your portfolio with your role clearly stated, and keep the project documented with screenshots and a short description.