Welcome to the Athena Game Jam for 2024! This jam is a follow-up to the massively successful event from 2023 that saw 12 new games created over the 5 days.

Teesside University is known for its cutting-edge games programs, and its graduates have gone on to work for some of the biggest names in the industry. We're excited to say that a number of those industry partners are supporting the Athena Game Jam by means of mentoring, support and prizes!

This Game Jam is a unique opportunity for students, alumni, and game developers of all levels to come together and create something special. Participants will have access to cutting-edge game development tools, as well as expert advice and guidance from local industry and Teesside University staff.

Let's get jamming!

Theme

Chaos

Itinerary 

Staying Safe

1. Take care of yourself: Make sure to take breaks, eat well, and stay hydrated. It's important to stay healthy and energized to produce the best work possible.
2. Take breaks: Regular breaks can help prevent eye strain and other physical discomforts. Consider setting a timer to remind yourself to take breaks throughout the event.
3. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially when working around others.
4. Respect others: Treat others with respect and avoid any behaviour that could be considered bullying or harassment. Report any inappropriate behaviour to staff.
5. Don't overwork yourself: While it's important to be productive during the game jam, don't overwork yourself. Know your limits and take care of your mental health.
6. Prioritize sleep: It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the game jam and lose track of time. Prioritize sleep to ensure you're able to function at your best.

Guidance

Do:

1. Plan ahead: Before the event, create a game concept and plan out what features you want to include in your game. This will help you stay focused during the event and ensure that you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve.
2. Collaborate with your team: Game jams are all about working together to create something amazing. Make sure you communicate effectively with your team members and delegate tasks to ensure that everyone is making progress.
3. Be open to feedback: Game jams are a great opportunity to receive feedback from others. Listen to what others have to say and use their feedback to improve your game.
4. Focus on the core mechanics: With limited time, it's essential to focus on the core mechanics of your game. Make sure you have a solid foundation before adding additional features.
5. Keep it simple: Avoid creating overly complicated game mechanics that may be difficult to implement within the timeframe of the game jam.
6. Take care of yourself: Make sure to take breaks, eat well, and stay hydrated. It's important to stay healthy and energized to produce the best work possible.

Do Not:

1. Don't get bogged down in the details: While details are important, don't spend too much time perfecting small elements of your game. Focus on the bigger picture.
2. Don't be too attached to your idea: It's essential to be open to change and be willing to pivot if needed. Don't get too attached to your original concept if it's not working out.
3. Don't forget about the theme: Make sure to keep the theme of the game jam in mind when developing your game. The theme is an essential aspect of the event and can help guide your creative process.
4. Don't work in silos: Game jams are a collaborative effort, and it's important to work with your team members to create the best possible game.
5. Don't compare yourself to others: It's easy to get caught up in what others are doing during a game jam, but it's important to remember that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Focus on your game and do your best.

FAQ

Who owns my submitted game?

Your game belongs to you. After all, you made it! We claim no rights or ownership of your game!

What happens if I’m not very good at art?

You don’t have to be! Here, all we want is that you have fun, and create a playable game! “Programmer Art” is welcome (and encouraged). 

Can I use assets from online?

You are allowed to use any existing assets, and other resources that you have legal license to use. This includes using open source and Creative Commons licensed materials. We strongly recommend you only use assets that you have the legal right to use (Public Domain, things you licensed/created, etc). If you don’t have the right to use something, it is your responsibility.

I can't find someone to be in a team with me! What can I do?

Don't stress! We have channels in the Discord to help counter this problem, just start a thread in #find-a-team and get the ball rolling! Check your university emails for a link to the server - or find a member of staff.

Can I stream my game/the development?

Of course!! We actually highly encourage this, because we think it would just be awesome for people to stream their development or end product