Viborg Gam Jam - Spring Edition 2024, hosted by Viborg Game Developers

A 48-hour long game jamming challenge (April 26 - April 28) to create prototype games and connect with your peers around the passion of games.

You can also join us on the Viborg Game Developer Discord to discuss the jam and have a good time, and additionally to discuss games, participate in the common VGD community events in Viborg, and otherwise be part of a bunch of cool people. ;)

Remember to sign up for the jam on our Google Form!

Meanwhile, please take a moment to admire the great poster we've prepared for the upcoming jam! 

Artist: Sammy Torres

Rules of the jam

We're all here to have a good time but remember common courtesy. 

1. Follow the code of conduct and house rules
2. Team sizes: Whatever floats your boat. :)
3. Credit everything in the game, including common assets and your own work. This must be accessible from the start of the game.

Requirements of the game

The game type is completely open!

The game genre is completely open! 

The theme is a source of inspiration but not a strict requirement.

Practical information

The game jam is a physical event.

You need to be at the venue in Viborg to participate in the game jam. 

The address is: Arsenalet, Kasernevej 8-10, Viborg 8800 DK. Link to Google Maps.

Additionally, we provide:

1. Sleeping areas
2. Showers
3. Breakfast and fruit throughout the game jam
4. Eating utensils
5. Paper and markers

You need to bring:

1. Your own creative tools (PC, laptop, digital drawing tablet, etc.)
2. Sleeping bag, pillow, and sleeping matt
3. Daily necessities 
4. Dinner and drinks

FAQ

About the requirements:

Can I combine genres?

Yes! You have absolute creative freedom.

Can I make games unrelated to the theme?

Yes! 

Can I make board games and card games?

Yes! Traditional games are just as awesome as digital games.

Other questions:

What code language are we using during the jam?

You and your team are free to use any Game Engine and any Coding Language!

Do I need a team?

You don't need to be in a team. If you want to work on your own idea as a lone wolf, feel free to do so. 

Is the theme a limitation? Do I need to interpret it literally?

Not at all! The theme is a source of inspiration. You will in fact score more points if you think of unique ways to interpret the theme.

I did not finish the game. Should I submit it?

Absolutely! During the game jam, we're focusing on making game prototypes. A solid prototype can still be the most enjoyable game, and it's worth showcasing to get any feedback for you to evolve and learn. EVEN an amazing pitch for a game concept is accepted!

I can't make music. How can I get cool background music for my game?

If lucky, you might team up with a composer who can make an original sound for your game! Otherwise, there's plenty of royalty- and license-free music on the internet. Simply just go to Google and search for "royalty-free music", "free music for commercial use" or "license-free music".

What about assets, tools, and engines? Where can I find them? Can I use any tools?

Anything is allowed. Games aren't limited to digital software.

Can I make a multiplayer game?

Of course! Multiplayer games are also fun! One of the major aspects of a game is its ability to create a gather-point for relations to emerge. Multiplayer games especially so. Just remember you only have 48 hours, so remember the scope of the game.

Do I have to sleep over?

No, if you can figure out your own sleeping quarters during the game jam in Viborg, then you're welcome to stay wherever you want. We provide a sleeping spot for those who need a space! :)

Where can I ask more questions?

Ask away in our Discord channel. Write an @Admin any time.

Judging

The games created during the game jam will be judged by everyone present. Judge entries and disqualified submissions will not be rated. Judging will be on the following criteria:

• Fun: Enjoyment of the game. Are the mechanics interesting? Do I want to play more?
• Innovation: How cleverly are the game concepts mashed together? Are there interesting original concepts?
• Technical: Complexity of implementation. Does the game push technical boundaries? Does it scream "wow, this was done under jam constraints?" Does it have special tech that makes it stand out?
• Audio: Auditory presentation. How well does the music/sound fit the game?
• Graphics: Visual presentation. How clean/consistent does it look? How fluid are the animations? Is there a clever use of color, contrast, and other visual skills?
• Theme: Implementation of the jam theme. How much does the game utilize the theme? How unusual is the interpretation? Thinking out of the box on the theme (not taking it literally) will score you more points.

Prizes

Your peers will honour and put you on a pedestal at the game jam. 

The game jam is all about the fun of making games together.

Rights

The participants and teams own their respective games (IPs).

However, Viborg Game Developers reserve the rights to share and display the games as they are at the end of the game jam on any platform we see fit.

Other sponsors and partners do not own any rights.

Code of Conduct

During the game jam, we expect people to display appropriate behaviour.

• Be considerate to others.
• Show respect to others and the local rules of how to use the building
• Resolve conflicts
• Refrain from demeaning, discrimination, harassment, and hate speech
• Be mindful of the surroundings
• Alert organizers immediately if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of the Code of Conduct

Anyone displaying unacceptable behaviour will be removed from the premises. 

Our sponsors and collaborators

Viborg Game Jam in March 2023 is happening thanks to our friends, sponsors and collaborators!

• Open Workshop, The Animation Workshop
• The Animation Workshop
• Arsenalet
• The Viborg Game Developer crew, helpers and members

About us

Who are Viborg Game Developers

Located in the Nordic capital of animation, Viborg UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts, home to The Animation Workshop, we strive to help one another tell stories and make words that inspire and entertain. Viborg Game Developers is an association made game-devs, for game-devs.

Read more about Viborg Game Developers here: https://viborggamedevelopers.com/