CEHC Hosts Wolfjam Hackathon for Student Gamers
By Mike Nolan
ALBANY, N.Y. (Nov. 5, 2024) — University at Albany students in all majors are invited to a weekend of hands-on activities, panels and workshops later this month that are focused on the game design and development industry.
Wolfjaw Studios, a game development studio based in Troy, is partnering with the Department of Information Sciences and Technology at the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity to host the second annual Wolfjam Hackathon at the ETEC research and development complex, Nov. 15 to 17.
Participants of the hackathon will have opportunities to win prizes by creating software and products related to the gaming industry, while also meeting some of the top developers, innovators and designers in the Capital Region and beyond. The event is free with registration.
Founded in 2019, Wolfjaw Studios has grown to employ more than 75 people and helps create some of the most popular video games in the world, including League of Legends, NBA 2K and Among Us.
“Wolfjaw Studios has worked hard to support some of the largest, most played and most loved online video games,” said Wolfjaw Studios Chief Growth Officer Clarke Foley, a double UAlbany graduate with an MBA in information technology management. “To deliver this specialized suite of services, we must hire skilled professionals who can train and grow with our team. This event is an invaluable opportunity to prepare students for the growing gaming cluster in the Capital Region.”
“UAlbany students participated in Wolfjam last year and had a great experience. We’re happy to now partner with Wolfjaw Studios to bring this exciting event here to ETEC,” said Michael Leczinsky, professor of practice in the Department of Information Sciences and Technology. “Students from across campus will have opportunity to network with industry professionals, attend panels and workshops and build their professional portfolios.”
Growth of Capital Region gaming
As of February 2024, the Capital Region had 20 digital gaming studios with a total of 510 workers, according to a report released by the Center for Economic Growth. Along with Wolfjaw, the region is home to large studios including Blizzard Entertainment, Velan Studios and WB Games New York, as well as other companies that provide services to the gaming industry.
CEHC already offers an 18-credit game design and development minor, along with an undergraduate concentration in game design and development for informatics students, and is exploring more academic programs that will provide students with pathways to the wide variety of careers in digital gaming.
“Partnering with UAlbany has been a fantastic opportunity for our company to engage with upcoming talent in the gaming industry,” Foley said. “It aligns with our goal to build a community of game developers, students and other awesome people in the industry, especially around the Capital Region. We’re excited to see how this collaboration continues to evolve.”
In addition to offering academic programs in game design, UAlbany is expanding its capacity for students interested in competitive gaming. In September, the University unveiled a new 4,000-square-foot arena to meet the growing needs of UAlbany Esports, which is among the country’s largest collegiate competitive video gaming programs. That facility is open to competitive gamers as well as students interested in a more casual gaming experience with their friends.
Hackathon details
The hackathon will kick off on Friday night with a welcome and keynote from Ben Kvalo, founder and CEO of Midwest Games, who has worked for leaders in the gaming industry including 2K, Blizzard Entertainment, and Netflix.
Saturday and Sunday will feature panels with game industry professionals visiting ETEC from throughout the U.S. and Canada. The event concludes on Sunday afternoon with a playtesting session and awards ceremony for student projects. Last year, more than $3,000 in awards and prizes were given out.
Those who are not available to attend in person are encouraged to attend virtually via Discord to collaborate with fellow developers, participate in workshops, and submit projects online.