The Business Council of Fairfield County has organized the Fairfield County Game Jam @ SHU Stamford to be held at Sacred Heart University Graduate Center Stamford campus Jan. 29-31.
“For the first time ever, Fairfield County will be a site for the world”™s largest game jam,” the business council reported in a prepared statement, noting that last January the Global Game Jam was held in more than 500Â locations in 78Â countries and created 5,439Â games in one weekend.
“The Game Jam is similar in concept to a hackathon and is focused on game development,” the statement said. “Participants will spend the better part of 48 hours creating games based on a theme to be released at each local site at the start of the jam Friday evening. All sites worldwide are then challenged to make games based on that same theme, with games to be completed by Sunday afternoon.”
Worldwide, the video gaming industry long ago eclipsed movies for annual revenue. In 2013, video game revenues topped $70.4 billion, about double the global movie take of $35.9 billion for the year, according to industry records.
“With over half the country gaming, video gaming is one of the fastest growing segments of the entertainment industry,” the business council said. “Game development has become decentralized with low barriers to entry. With a computer, software, an idea, and determination, anyone can develop their own digital game.”
The business council framed the event as “an opportunity to connect gamers, artists, writers (don”™t forget the story line) and developers to learn, have fun and create something innovative. No prior experience necessary.”
Participation is free, but is limited to those 18 and over. Meals will be served. Registration is required. For more information, contact The Business Council of Fairfield County at 203-359-3220.
