UAlbany to Host 5th Global Game Jam, January 25-27

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 16, 2012) -- The University at Albany’s College of Computing and Information will host the 5th Annual Global Game Jam Jan. 25-27. The weekend event begins at 4 p.m. Jan. 25 in UAlbany’s Campus Center Room 375 and ends at 5 p.m. Jan. 27 with a presentation of the completed games. The Game Jam supports the development of video and board games.

The Game Jam joins students, enthusiasts, and professional game developers 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 Global Game Jam of 2012, attracting over 10,000 game enthusiasts in some 242 locations in 47 countries who created over 2,100 games in 48 hours, becoming a Guinness Book of World Records holder.

“Developing games is an exciting, challenging, and fun activity. The Global Game Jam is a terrific opportunity for our students 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 Tech Valley’s economy, and the Global Game Jam helps our 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 return to UAlbany for the 5th 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 is $15 at the door with a $3 discount for UAlbany students and IGDA members, and begins at 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 25. Parking is available in the Indian Gold lot on the UAlbany uptown campus.

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