What is a Game Jam?

A game jam is a gathering of game developers for the purpose of planning, designing, and creating one or more games within a short span of time [...]. Game developers are generally made up of programmers, game designers, artists, and others in game development-related fields.
( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_jam)

The structure of a jam is usually that everyone gathers on [some day] late afternoon, watches a short video keynote with advice from leading game developers, and then a secret theme is announced. All [people] are then challenged to make games based on that same theme, with games to be completed by [some other defined day]. [...]
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, trying on new roles in development and testing their skills to do something that requires them to design, develop create, test and make a new game [...].
( http://globalgamejam.org/about)

So what is the BTK Rapid Prototyping Jam 2016?

The BTK Rapid Prototyping Jam 2016 is a game jam for BTK students to develope game prototypes.

Who can participate?
The game jam is open to all BTK students. It is recommended for all students of the modules Rapid Prototyping.

Technologies / Engines
For the sake of the curriculum all games should be made with Unity3D (or Processing). But as the Game Jam is generally open to everybody, other tools can be used too.
All games must be uploaded (here) to itch.io.
We suggest to use Git / Bitbucket for teamwork and/or your own computer / laptop.
Use free engines / tools / assets (see below) for more effective development / experimentation.

Theme: Nature

Growth & decay / colorfulness / seasons / vs. civilisation / around the world / flora & fauna / etc.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature

Venue & Schedule

The game jam will take place at the BTK, Rooms 2.21, 2.22 and 2.07.
Please take care of the place and keep it tidy and clean!

Schedule

• 28.10.2016 (Saturday)
  • Start & Introduction: 10am
  • Pitch of Ideas & Teams: 11:30am
  • Doors Closing: 9pm
• 29.10.2016 (Sunday)
  • Start: 10am
  • Upload your games (here) until: 4pm
  • Short presentation (3min) of every prototype: 4pm
  • Start of the Game Fair: 5pm
    • Please install and run your game on a laptop / computer in Room 2.21
  • End: 6pm

Tools & Assets

• http://globalgamejam.org/jammer-resources
• http://www.pixelprospector.com/royalty-free-graphics/
• http://videogamecaster.com/royalty-free-music-and-sounds
• http://ludumdare.com/compo/tools/
• etc.

Further Reading

• Prototyping Literature and Tipps
  • Chris Hecker: Advanced Prototyping
  • How to prototype a game in under 7 days?
  • Herman Tulleken: Rapid Game Prototyping Tips for Programmers
  • How to get the most out of a game jam
• Amnesia Fortnight 2014 Documentary Series
• Global Game Jam Keynotes
  • 2009: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW6vgW8wc6c
  • 2010: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm4mgMTTN4Q
  • 2011: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbiVtYPtIqk
  • 2012: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XL-yY11Vnc
  • 2013: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp991y8ZfaQ
  • 2014: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLz4cAOZB8w
  • 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVl8o85YGNE
  • 2016: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNKOIMHi2Yc
• Nature of Code
  • http://natureofcode.com/
  • https://vimeo.com/channels/natureofcode
  • https://www.youtube.com/user/shiffman
• etc.