Submissions open from 2024-10-25 10:00:00 to 2024-12-31 11:00:00
Submissions due in
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Welcome to the Game Jam Creators! For students in the Creative Industry (MBO, HBO, University)

Are you ready to showcase your skills, get creative, and tackle real-world issues? This is your chance! Join the Game Jam organized by GameLab Oost and Gemeente Enschede and create a serious game. Why Participate?

  • Boost your skills and build your portfolio..
  • Work on social issues that matter and bring meaningful impact through games.
  • Connect with like-minded students and industry pros from across MBO, HBO, and universities.
  • Compete for prizes—you could win €350 and recognition for your work!

How it Works:

Get Inspired! Before you start coding, we’ve lined up inspiration sessions to spark your creativity! Learn from industry experts, attend workshops, game on sessions and get valuable feedback on your ideas. Check the below and make sure to attend—at least one team member must join to qualify for voting. 

13 November: Meaningful Game Design
Instructor:  Luuk Waarbroek  (Senior Game Developer, Rusty Lake) & Jack Hoefnagel (Game Designer & Teacher Game Design at Rotterdam University Of Applied Sciences)
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Focus: This workshop will guide you through the creative process of transforming an idea into a well-structured game concept.
Subscribe here!

13 November: Tools & tricks for rapid prototyping
Instructor: Luuk Waarbroek  (Senior Game Developer, Rusty Lake) & Jack Hoefnagel (Game Designer & Teacher Game Design at Rotterdam University Of Applied Sciences)
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Focus: This session focuses on creating a working version of your game concept as quickly as possible. 
Subscribe here!

22 November:  Environmental storytelling and how it enhances the player experience
Instructor: Sisilia Nedyalkova (3D Environment Artist, Ghost Town Games)
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Focus: Learn the benefits of environmental storytelling in games and how to begin implementing it.
Subscribe here!

22 November: Game Art review. How to improve the visuals of your game.
Instructor: Sisilia Nedyalkova (3D Environment Artist, Ghost Town Games)
Time: 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM
Focus: General feedback based on the visuals of your game. Required to bring you stylesheet and moodboards for in depth feedback.
Subscribe here!

12 December: Feedback Session Hosted by Games for Health
Time: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Focus: Receive expert feedback on your game.
Format: Online
Subscribe here!

4 December: Game Economics
Instructor: Yvens Rebouças Serpa (Graphics Engineer in Audo and Lecturer/Researcher at Saxion)
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Focus: Learn how to work with Game Economy concepts to design, plan, and balance game economies that engage, challenge, and tell stories.
Subscribe here!

18 December: Game On Session.
Instructor: Gamelab Oost
Time: 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM
Focus: Learn to think critically about the mechanics in your games by playing board games.
Subscribe here!

Game Jam Theme: "Building a Home Together" 

Objective: Develop serious games that explore what makes a place feel like "home," highlighting aspects like comfort, safety, personal expression, and collaboration.

Optional Challenges:

  1. Exploring Home in Care Settings: How can the concept of "home" be applied in long-term care settings, such as nursing homes?
  2. Collaboration Between People: Show how collaboration between residents, care teams, and families can transform a space into a home.
  3. Daily Life and Community: Create dynamics that foster positive interactions, routines, and a sense of belonging.

Additional Inspiration: Consider the BIJ ONS e-learning module, which helps care teams create home-like environments, or draw from the Environment Scan (PDF) to imagine ways your game could make environmental assessments more engaging.

Theme provided by UKON.

What Do You Need to Know?

  • Make a Serious Game: Your game should have a serious or educational layer—something that provokes thought or raises awareness on the chosen theme.
  • Upload on Itch.io: Submit your game there and make it accessible for people to play and vote! 
  • Team or Solo: You can go solo or work with a team—up to 5 people for maximum creativity and productivity.
  • Use the Tools You Want: Any tools are allowed, but consider free resources like FreeSound.org, Kenney.nl, or OpenGameArt for assets.
  • Optional AI Tools: If you use AI, make sure to include a disclaimer about how it was used in your game.
  • Participation Requirement: At least one member of your team must attend at least one inspiration session to qualify for voting.

Prizes 

Two winners will be selected, each receiving €350:

  1. One game created by an MBO student or team.
  2. One game created by a HBO/University student/team or a mixed team (HBO/University + MBO).

What Do You Need to Know?

  • Make a Serious Game: Your game should have a serious or educational layer—something that provokes thought or raises awareness on the chosen theme.
  • Upload on Itch.io: Submit your game there and make it accessible for people to play and vote! We’ll officially launch the competition’s Itch.io environment on 25 October. 
  • Team or Solo: You can go solo or work with a team—up to 5 people for maximum creativity and productivity.
  • Use the Tools You Want: Any tools are allowed, but consider free resources like FreeSound.org, Kenney.nl, or OpenGameArt for assets.
  • Optional AI Tools: If you use AI, make sure to include a disclaimer about how it was used in your game.
  • Participation Requirement: At least one member of your team must attend at least one inspiration session to qualify for voting. Check out the schedule for the inspiration sessions from October 25 here or on the Gamelab Oost website.

Important Dates 

  • Competition Period: 25 October – 31 December, 12 PM (noon). This is a hard deadline—make sure your game is uploaded before the clock hits noon!
  • Voting: Open until January 21 on Itch.io. Anyone can vote for their favorite games.
  • Winner Reveal: The top 10 highest-voted games will be evaluated by GameLab Oost, with two winners announced on 31 January at Ariënsplein 1.

 What’s Not Allowed?

  • Offensive content based on religion, gender, sexual orientation, culture, etc.
  • Explicit sexual content or gore.
  • Content promoting hate speech, self-harm, or violence.

Let’s keep this jam respectful and welcoming!

How Will Games Be Judged?

Your game will be rated on these criteria:

  • Creativity/Innovation
  • Music/Sound
  • Visuals/Style
  • Theme Interpretation
  • Gameplay/Interactivity
  • Serious Game Layer

So what are you waiting for? Get inspired, start creating, and let’s see what amazing games you’ll come up with! Good luck, and we can’t wait to play with your creations!