Global Game Jam Vancouver 2023

Come join us for a weekend of teamwork, collaboration, creativity, friendship, and exploration! From February 3rd to February 5th, 2023, we'll take over ITD Canada and make games for 48 hours!

This year, Global Game Jam will be taking place in-person and online.

Due to a global rule for Global Game Jam, attendants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of the 18 for the entire duration of the jam. Please take this into account when purchasing tickets.

Due to COVID-19, we encourage participants to wear masks during the game jam event. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you may request a refund.

Wait, what's Global Game Jam?

The Global Game Jam®️ (GGJ) is the world's largest game jam event taking place around the world at physical locations. This is the registration page for the Vancouver, BC, Canada jam.

The GGJ encourages people with all kinds of backgrounds to participate and contribute to this global spread of game development and creativity. The jam is known for helping foster new friendships, increase confidence and opportunities within the community. The jam is always an intellectual challenge. People are invited to explore new technology tools, try new roles in development, and test their skills. Jammers work in teams to design, develop, test and make a new game in the time span of 48 hours.

What do I get with my jammer ticket?

With your in-person jammer ticket, you get space to jam, and a special GGJ Vancouver 2023 t-shirt. With your online jammer ticket you can also choose to pickup a GGJ Vancouver 2023 t-shirt(pickup location to be determined)

We'll provide meals throughout the event, specifics to be determined, but for sure a pizza party on Sunday. We'll also provide copious amounts of coffee and tea to fuel the jamming.

What can I expect this year?

We're located in Institute of Technology Development(ITD), right outside Waterfront! We are also bringing back our favourite partners - Tree of Audio and Pixel Route to provide pairs of sound designers and artists to join forces with teams throughout the jam.

Please join our discord here

FAQs

What is a game jam?

A game jam is an event where game enthusiasts come together and create a game based on a theme that has been given by the organizers.

How long is the event?

48 hours from start to finish. Schedule here

Who is this event for?

Anyone is welcome, regardless of experience.

Is there a minimum age limit?

No, but if you are under 18 years of age, there is a waiver that your guardian must sign.

Can I stay overnight?

Yes! However, please make sure you are properly equipped for the night. Warm clothes and maybe even a sleeping bag is recommended.

What should I bring with me?

Make sure you bring your ticket, a valid government ID, and your jamming hardware. An extension cord is recommended in case you are sitting too far away from a power outlet. If you plan of presenting your game, you will need a video adapter to connect your computer to the display.

What if we don't have anyone working on audio for our team?

We will have the Tree of Audio (an audio team) on-site to help everyone with SFX and audio.

What if I'm the audio engineer/interested to work as an audio engineer for this jam and I don't have a team?

You can either join the Tree of Audio and potentially work on multiple teams' audio or join a specific team and focus on the audio for that team.

What if we don't have anyone working on art for our team?

We will have Pixel Route (a team of artists) on-site to help everyone with game art.

What if I'm the artist/interested to work as an artist for this jam and I don't have a team?

You can either join Pixel Route and potentially work on multiple teams' art or join a specific team and focus on the art for that team.

Do I need a team?

Jams are usually done in teams, but it's completely up to you whether or not you'd like to work in one. If you do want a team but don't have one, you will have a chance at the event before the jamming starts to mingle with the rest of attendees and make or join a team.

Is there a maximum team size?

There is not. However, bigger teams will need to dedicate more resources to team coordination and will need to be more organized in general.

How much game development experience do I need to attend the event?

You do not need any experience at all. This is meant to be a fun event for anyone with any level of experience in game development. Even if you know very little about game development, you will learn a lot about it during the 48 hours.