Viborg Game Expo and Game Hub Scandinavia presents: Viborg Game Jam!

A 48 hour long game jamming challenge (Sept. 13 - Sept. 15) to create prototype games and connect with your peers around the passion of games.

Theme stays a secret until Sept. 13!

But our poster below does contain hints. ;)

Join us on Discord to discuss the jam and have a good time. 

Rules of the jam

Games which break the rules will be removed and lose their chance of being showcased at Viborg Game Expo.

1. Follow the code of conduct and house-rules
2. Team sizes: 1-4
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

Game type is completely open!

Game genre is completely open! 

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

Practical information

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! But keep in mind it may impact your chances at being displayed at Viborg Game Expo during Viborg Animation Festival.

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 sort of 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 you're lucky, you might team up with a composer who can make 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?

Check out our list of tools in our Discord in #resources. We've provided just a few examples. But 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.

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

First of all, you will be honored and put on a pedestal by your peers at the game jam. 

Secondly, we have prepared diplomas for the best game selected by the participants for each topic in the judging criteria.

Third, and best of all, your game will be displayed at Viborg Game Expo Sept. 23 to Sept. 26 during Viborg Animation Festival

However, if your game contains sexual content (including language), nudity or excessive realistic gore/violence your game won't be able to be displayed at Viborg Game Expo, even if you had the most awesome game.

Rights

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

However, The Animation Workshop and Game Hub Scandinavia reserve the rights to share and display the games as they are at the end of the game 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 behavior.

• 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 behavior will be removed from the premises. 

About us

What is Viborg Game Expo?

Viborg Game Expo is a celebration of anything you can call game: To play them, develop them and to be part of a large community  of enthusiasts of all ages. Our passion culminates Sept. 26 to Sept. 29 during Viborg Animation Festival, the largest animation festival in Denmark.

What is The Animation Workshop

The Animation Workshop is part of VIA University College in Denmark, and one of Europe's leading schools in animation. The Animation Workshop offers established formal degrees in Computer Graphic Arts, Character Animation and Graphic Storytelling, as well as a wide array of professional training, courses, workshops and residencies for animators from all around the world.

What is Game Hub Scandinavia?

Game Hub Scandinavia is a cross-border partnership between several organizations in Denmark and Sweden. Our partners all contribute with their unique knowledge and networks, spanning from researchers in universities, artists in the animation industry, investors in the business sector, teachers in higher educations , business consultants and established game companies. Together we build the framework for making the games industry a primary resource and income in Scandinavia.