Ludum Dare, the internationally acclaimed online game jam, is back for its 55th edition, and the Winnipeg Game Collective invites you to be a part of this exciting event!

LUDUM DARE 55 - WINNIPEG
When: Friday, April 12th - Monday, April 15th
Where: Winnipeg Game Jam Discord | dsc.gg/ld55wpg

What to Expect

• Collaboration: Work with fellow community members to create innovative games.
• Global Exposure: Showcase your game to an international audience.
• Local Industry: Connect with the local game dev industry and professionals.
• Build a Career: Turn your passion for gaming into a career and build assets for your portfolio.

Explore the process of game development, be it programming, iterative design, narrative or artistic expression. We encourage people with all kinds of backgrounds to participate and contribute. Participants are invited to explore new tools, try on new roles in game development and test their skills to do something that requires them to design, develop, create and test to make a new game. Game jams are often the starting point for game developers who have turned joining their first game jam into a career in game development. Our community is committed to empowerment and inclusivity, helping us build a safe and welcoming event for everyone. Through Ludum Dare, the Winnipeg Game Collective helps to foster new friendships, increase confidence in aspiring game developers and creates opportunities within the community.

Schedule

Friday, April 12th:

• 8:00pm | Theme Announcement

Saturday, April 13th:

• All Day | “The Jam”
• All Day | “The Compo”
• All Day | “Extra”

Sunday, April 14th:

• All Day | “The Jam”
• All Day | “The Compo”
• All Day | “Extra”
• 7:00pm - 8:00pm | “The Compo” Submission Hour

Monday, April 15th:

• All Day | “The Jam”
• All Day | “Extra”
• 7:00pm - 8:00pm | “The Jam” Submission Hour

Thursday, April 25th:

• 7:00pm - 8:00pm | “Extra” Submission Hour

FAQ

****What is a game jam?****

A “game jam” is an event where games are made, similar to a hackathon. Game jam events are often short. Most last a few days or a week. Some last hours, or up to a month. Historically, “game jam” was used to describe casual game creation events, like a jam session for musicians.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_jam

****What is Ludum Dare?****

Ludum Dare is an online "game jam" held 2-3 times a year, where participants attempt to create video games from scratch. It has grown significantly since its inception in 2002 and regularly attracts thousands of participants.

****How is Ludum Dare different from other jams? What are the rules of Ludum Dare?****

You can find the rules for Ludum Dare at https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/rules. Ludum Dare offers three submission categories: “The Compo”, “The Jam”, and “Extra”, each with its own set of rules and timeframes. Choose the one that suits your style and schedule.

****What is “The Jam”?****

The Jam is the Ludum Dare event for everyone. Teams, individuals, anyone that wants to come out and make something.

1. Work alone or in a team.
2. Create a game in 72 hours.

You’re free to use any tools or libraries to create your game. You’re free to start with any base-code you may have. You’re free to use 3rd party Artwork/Music/Audio assets, or assets you previously created.

****What is “The Compo”?****

The Compo is Classic Ludum Dare. Another way to think of it is as Ludum Dare “Hard Mode”. Compo games are created entirely from scratch by one person, in just 48 hours. This is the ultimate test of your game creation skills.

1. You must work alone (solo).
2. Your game, all your content (i.e. Art, Music, Sound, etc) must be created in 48 hours.
3. Source code must be included.

You’re free to use any tools or libraries to create your game. You’re free to start with any base-code you may have. At the end, you will be required to share your source code.

****What is “Extra”?****

The Extra format is a modified Jam format. Extra format games are due on Thursday April 25th, three weeks after the start! Choose your own schedule!

****How do I join the event?****

Join the Winnipeg Game Jam Discord server (www.dsc.gg/ld55wpg) and snag the Ludum Dare 55 role! Additionally, make an account and join on ldjam.com https://ldjam.com/#user-register (Invite Code: XGonnaGiveMeld54)

****Is this event in-person or online?****

Just online this time! You can still get the full community experience by joining the Winnipeg Game Jam Discord and sharing your progress throughout the weekend. dsc.gg/ld55wpg

****Who can participate in Ludum Dare?****

Everyone, regardless of their background or expertise, is welcome to join Ludum Dare. You can work alone or in teams, and no prior experience is required, although self-directed participation is encouraged. We also encourage all attendees to come in with a basic understanding of what they’d like to accomplish during the event.