UAlbany to Host Global Game Jam Jan. 27-29

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 26, 2012) -- The University at Albany’s College of Computing and Information will host the 4th Annual Global Game Jam Jan. 27-29. The weekend event begins at 4 p.m. Jan. 27 in UAlbany’s Campus Center Room 375 and ends at 6 p.m. Jan. 29 with a presentation of the completed games.

The Game Jam brings students, enthusiasts, and professional game developers together to work on new ideas for games of all types. Participants form teams, generate game prototypes, and develop something playable within a 48-hour time frame. The event takes place across the globe and starts with a theme announcement that varies by time zone.

This year, participation is expected to exceed that of the 3rd Global Game Jam of 2011, attracting more than 7,000 game enthusiasts in some 220 locations in 46 countries. The Jam will support the development of an expected 1,600 video and board games.

Global Game Jam participants form teams, generate game prototypes, and develop playable games within a 48-hour time frame.

"Developing games is an exciting, challenging, and fun activity that engages a number of our students. The Global Game Jam is a terrific opportunity for students from UAlbany and across the region to work side-by-side with regional professionals and learn from the experts how it’s done," College of Computing and Information Dean Peter Bloniarz said. "The game development industry is an important contributor to the excitement in Tech Valley, and exposing more students to the field will help these students and our economy to grow. We are pleased to partner with the International Game Developers Association in bringing the Global Game Jam back to Tech Valley."

The Global Game Jam is an initiative of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) Education Special Interest Group. The Albany Chapter of IGDA is co-sponsoring the event.

"We are excited to come back to UAlbany for the 4th Global Game Jam. This is the best annual social and creative event for local game developers to test their skill at crafting a game in a highly imaginative 48 hours while collaborating with other student, professional and indie developers. I always look forward to the rush of inspiration that results from the prolific and innovative output of the Global Game Jam," said Albany IGDA Chapter Coordinator Ian Stead.

Registration on-site is $15 with a $3 discount for UAlbany students and IGDA members, and begins at 4 p.m. on Jan. 27. Parking is available in the Indian Gold lot on the UAlbany uptown campus.  

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