Online Game Jam
This page provides a step-by-step guide for organizing and hosting a successful online game jam, covering essential setup, participant engagement, and event management. Following these instructions will help you create an efficient, enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Preparation Phase
Choose an Online Communication Platform
Select a reliable online communication platform to facilitate organization and collaboration throughout the event. Options include:
Discord (highly recommended for its features and popularity among game developers)
Register Your Site on the Main GGJ Website
Ensure your site is registered on the Global Game Jam (GGJ) website:
Log in to the GGJ website.
Click on "Add Site".
Fill the fields and follow any instructions provided.
Once registered, wait for your RO to confirm your site's status. Once your status as an official GGJ site is confirmed, you can start adding jammers to your site.
Staffing Requirements
It is recommended to have at least one organizer for every 50 participants to ensure effective management and troubleshooting.
Calculate the approximate number of participants expected.
Recruit additional organizers if necessary.
Delegate specific responsibilities to each organizer, ensuring coverage across time zones if applicable.
Connecting with GGJ Resources and Community
To stay updated on best practices and connect with other organizers, join the following channels:
GGJ Slack: Serving as the official means of communication from GGJ, you'll obtain an invitation through your Regional Organizer (RO) to join this.
GGJ Community Discord: Join to collaborate with the broader GGJ community and exchange tips.
Organizing the Communication Platform
If your chosen platform supports multiple channels (e.g., Discord or Slack), setting up designated channels can help streamline communication and organization during the game jam. Below is a recommended channel structure with specific functions for each channel.
Core Channels
#announcements - To post essential information, updates, and announcements related to the game jam.
#inspiration - Share articles, images, and other media related to the jam's theme to spark creativity among participants.
#looking-for-group - A space for participants to introduce themselves, list their skills, and connect with others looking to form a team.
#show-and-tell - A channel for participants to share updates, screenshots, and progress on their projects throughout the jam.
Make this channel read-only for participants to ensure important messages are not lost in conversation.
#art-requests - Allows participants to request assistance with artwork or find artists for specific game needs.
#audio-requests - A dedicated space for audio-related assistance, where participants can ask for sounds, music, or general audio advice.
#ask-an-organizer - Participants can direct questions to organizers here, keeping inquiries organized and easily accessible.
#ask-a-mentor (if mentors are available) - A channel where participants can seek guidance from mentors, ideally with topic-focused advice based on their skills.
Make the #announcements channel read-only for participants to ensure important messages are not lost in conversation.
Team and Collaboration Channels (A must for jammers to work together)
Team Text Channels - Create dedicated text channels for each team to ensure a focused space for group discussions and collaboration.
Voice Channels - Set up drop-in voice channels that allow participants to communicate easily, hold team discussions, or network with others.
Optional and Community-Building Channels
#pets - A fun, informal channel for participants to share photos of their pets or anything light-hearted. This can help boost morale and create a sense of community.
General Hangout Voice Channel - This channel serves as an open space where participants, organizers, and mentors can casually connect, chat, and network outside of team-specific discussions. Ideal for meeting others in the community, sharing ideas, or simply taking a break to socialize.
Customize channel names and add any other channels suited to your jam’s unique needs.
Kick-Off and Onboarding Process
To start your online game jam smoothly, gather participants at an agreed-upon time on the chosen platform and provide all necessary resources, guidance, and information for the event. These steps ensure an organized and engaging start.
Opening the Event and Sharing Resources
Gather All Jammers: Ensure that all participants are present on the communication platform at the agreed time. Consider posting a reminder message shortly before the start time to confirm attendance.
Post the Schedule and Code of Conduct
Share a link to the jam schedule and include the planned timeline for each phase of the event.
Post a link to the Global Game Jam (GGJ) Code of Conduct, reminding participants that it applies to all online interactions throughout the jam.
Keynote Presentation
Share the keynote presentation that introduces the jam’s theme and sets the tone. This can be done in several ways:
Post the keynote video link in the #announcements channel for jammers to watch on their own devices.
Host a watch party using a screen-sharing feature on a voice channel to view the keynote together.
Idea Brainstorming and Pitch Session
Brainstorm and Pitch Preparation: Allow jammers some time to brainstorm and develop initial game concepts. They can sketch out ideas or prepare a quick summary of their project idea to share with others.
Pitch Session:
Use a voice or text channel for pitches, and ask jammers to limit each pitch to 30 seconds.
During pitches, participants can describe their idea and mention any skills or roles they need help with.
Record Pitches and Team Needs
Create a shared document (such as a Google Doc) where jammers can briefly document their pitches, including a list of skills required for each project.
Share the document link in the #announcements or #looking-for-group channel to keep it easily accessible.
Team Formation: Direct participants who are still looking for a team to the #looking-for-group channel to announce their availability and skill set.
Game Jam Timeline
Once teams are formed, the game jam proceeds according to the scheduled timeline, with an official end time no later than 5 PM on Sunday.
Optional Activities and Enhancements
To enrich the online game jam experience and foster community engagement, consider implementing the following optional activities:
Dedicated Time for Mentorship
Arrange specific times for veteran jammers, developers, or mentors to be online. This allows participants to ask questions about their game projects or seek advice on development challenges.
Encourage Content Creation
Gameplay Trailers and Making-Of Videos: Motivate jammers to create short gameplay trailers or videos documenting their development process. This can enhance their project visibility and provide insights into their creative journey.
Main GGJ Stream Participation: Encourage jammers with unique or fun ideas to join the main Global Game Jam stream. This showcases their work to a broader audience and highlights what GGJ is like in their location.
Community-Building Activities
Virtual Photobooths: Offer virtual photobooths where participants can take fun pictures during the event, creating mementos of their participation that they can share on social media.
Meal Time Chats: Organize voice or video chats during typical meal times, encouraging jammers to eat together while discussing their progress and experiences throughout the jam.
Showcase Previous Jams
Post pictures and highlights from previous jams on your communication platform. This not only builds excitement but also provides new jammers with a glimpse of the community's history and achievements.
Concluding the Game Jam
As the game jam comes to an end, follow these steps to ensure a smooth conclusion, facilitate game uploads, and celebrate the participants' hard work.
Uploading Games
Set an Upload Deadline: Instruct jammers to begin uploading their completed games at 3 PM local time on the final day of the jam. This timing allows for any last-minute adjustments and ensures that all submissions are collected in a timely manner.
Verify Game Uploads: Ensure that all games have been successfully uploaded by checking the registration site and confirming each participant’s submission.
Check Participant Registration: Confirm that all jammers are registered to your event site. This ensures that their submissions are valid and can be appropriately recognized.
Celebrating the Conclusion
Gather all participants on your chosen communication platform to celebrate the end of the jam. Consider the following options for concluding the event:
Show Trailers and Videos: If participants have created gameplay trailers or making-of videos, showcase them during the closing celebration. This is particularly effective for low bandwidth situations and allows for a structured presentation of multiple submissions.
Live Gameplay and Screen Sharing: Encourage jammers to share their screens while playing their games. This provides an interactive way to experience each project and allows for live discussions about the games as they are played.
Download and Play Together: Facilitate a dedicated channel where participants can download and play each other's games while chatting about their experiences. This creates an engaging environment for feedback and collaboration.
Local Variety Streamer Engagement: Consider inviting a local variety streamer to play the submitted games on Twitch. This can enhance exposure for the participants and potentially include interviews with jammers and organizers about their experiences during GGJ Online.
By effectively managing the conclusion of the jam, you create an opportunity for participants to celebrate their accomplishments, share their work, and foster community connections that extend beyond the event.
Last updated