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Posts Tagged ‘IGDA’

Jamming in January: Global Game Jam returns to Melbourne

15 Dec

Melbourne game makers are preparing to show the world the talent we have here down under by locking themselves up for 48 hours and rapidly prototyping some game designs to share their great ideas with the world. More than 80 game developers are expected to jam at La Trobe University in Bundoora on the Australia Day weekend to be part of this global event.

The IGDA Global Game Jam is an annual international game development weekend.  The 2012 Global Game Jam runs 27-29 January and starts at 5pm in each time zone.  More locally there could be as many as ten public jam sites in Australia and New Zealand, including Sydney and Wellington and Wollongong.  Game Developers of varying skill levels get together for 48 hours and make a game from start to finish. The focus is on having fun, being creative, and improving their ability to make the games that everyone loves.

At the time of writing 47 locations & 1204 jammers registered worldwide for Global Game Jam 2012.  In 2011 over 1500 games were made in 174 locations spanning 44 countries in a truly global event.

Game Developers of varying skill levels get together for 48 hours and make a game from start to finish. The focus is on having fun, being creative, and improving our ability to make the games that everyone loves.

Registrations of interest are being accepted for the Melbourne Global Game Jam hosted by IGDAM and La Trobe University, until the end of 2011 at http://igdamelbourne.org/2011/12/game-jam-returns-january-27-19-2012-thanks-to/ so if you make games and love a challenge in a fun and supportive environment you can register as a team or individual.

Giselle Rosman, Coordinator of IGDAM says “The game jam is a weekend of crazy, creative, sleep deprived games development.  I’d encourage novices and studio veterans alike to get their jam on.   Thanks to La Trobe University (http://www NULL.latrobe NULL.edu NULL.au/), AIE (http://www NULL.aie NULL.edu NULL.au/)and Immersive Technologies (http://www NULL.immersivetechnologies NULL.com/) we will be doing it all again from 27th to the 29th January 2012. We had a lot to learn in our first year so I’m looking forward to the amazing displays of team work, creativity and sheer guts and determination involved in the experience that is Jamming.”

What happened at last year’s Melbourne Jam?

At Melbourne’s inaugural Global Game Jam, all 73 participants were guests of La Trobe University. It was a magnificent turnout, one of the largest in the world which just goes to show the depth of talent and creative flair and enthusiasm that we have available here in Melbourne. Participants formed into teams on the first day and came up with a large number of creative game ideas. Each team created their concept and worked through the night rapidly creating playable versions of their games.

For the first time ever, Melbourne participated in the Global Game Jam in January of this year. 18 games were made by 73 participants, including “Ultra Happy Death Virus” which was voted by the panel of industry experts to be the best game made at that jam. UHDV can be played on the WinnitronAu at the Mana Bar in Melbourne and  other prototypes created over a creatively gruelling two days have been also been developed further.

Global Game Jam announces a theme and constraints and each team creates a game from start to finish in just a weekend.  Some jammers come in teams, and other teams are formed at the jam.  It is a great opportunity for game makers to expand their skills, meet likeminded developers, and have a fun time. Designers, artists, and coders are all welcome!

Want to know more? Here’s a bit more background for you

Here is some more background information:

http://pc.mmgn.com/Articles/Global-Game-Jam-Melbourne-Repo (http://pc NULL.mmgn NULL.com/Articles/Global-Game-Jam-Melbourne-Repo)

http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/games/blogs/screenplay/melbourne-game-makers-get-jammin-20110127-1a65b.html (http://www NULL.smh NULL.com NULL.au/digital-life/games/blogs/screenplay/melbourne-game-makers-get-jammin-20110127-1a65b NULL.html)

http://palgn.com.au/18063/igda-global-game-jam-melbourne-winners-announced/ (http://palgn NULL.com NULL.au/18063/igda-global-game-jam-melbourne-winners-announced/)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Game_Jam (http://en NULL.wikipedia NULL.org/wiki/Global_Game_Jam)

 
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Posted in Game Jam, Other

 

Game Jam returns: January 27-19 2012 thanks to…

06 Dec

It’s been in the works for a while, but thanks to La Trobe University (http://latrobe NULL.edu NULL.au), The Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) (http://aie NULL.edu NULL.au) and Immersive Technologies (http://www NULL.immersivetechnologies NULL.com/), Global Game Jam (http://globalgamejam NULL.org/) returns to Melbourne in 2012.

La Trobe Uni are on board again to be venue sponsors as they host us amongst the moats, ducks and well air conditioned labs.

We are pleased to announce AIE and Immersive Technologies have pledged Gold sponsorship and ensured the #igdamjam’s living to jam another year.

For 48 hours over the weekend of Jan 27-29 a group of around 80 game designers, developers and artists – both amateur and professional – will come together for an intensive Jam Session, forming small creative teams to design and prototype innovative game ideas. We provide the space, the tools you need and even catering. You make the games, and the IP stays with you!

It’s going be a fun weekend, but we also hope it can be something more. We want to stimulate the game development scene in Australia. We have the talent, the creativity and the resources to create a truly Australian games industry, we just need the initiative to give it a go.

After the inaugral Melbourne Jam held at La Trobe in Bundoora, we are looking forward to a slicker, smoother weekend still full of all the crazy creative energy of 2011.

We’re still on the lookout for sponsors – that would ensure less noodles, more nom :) get in touch and spread the word if you can help out.  All sponsorship is used for catering and equipment.

Updates to come, but spots are filling fast so don’t miss out registering your interest.

All media and other enquiries should be directed to info@igdamelbourne.org

We’ll be busy on twitter and we’ve even got a game jam specific facebook group

 
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Posted in Events, Game Jam

 

Global Game Jam 2012 Sponsorship Prospectus now available

28 Nov

If you or your company are interested in supporting the growth of local game development, game jam is the ideal opportunity for grass roots support.

IGDA Melbourne will be running game jam for the second time in 2012 and whilst we’re very good at working with shoestring budgets, devs need to eat.

Please get in touch with Giselle [giselle at igdamelbourne dot org]  for your copy of the prospectus outlining sponsorship opportunities.

Tell your colleagues, school boss and friends, hell, tell ya mum, she might be keen to help out.

 
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Posted in Events

 

WANTED: Game Jam project manager – apply within

26 Nov

After a highly successful (despite the over effective air conditioning and alarms!) inaugural Global Game Jam (http://globalgamejam NULL.org/) run by IGDA Melbourne in January this year, we are looking to host it again at La Trobe University (http://www NULL.latrobe NULL.edu NULL.au), 27-29 January 2012…but we need someone to drive this project.

I am finding it difficult to manage my time well enough to fit in a full time job, two kids with impending Christmas and school holidays, and my regular igdam ‘responsibilities’ – let alone project managing this substantial event, and I’m hoping there’s someone who see’s this as a great opportunity to step up for it.

Craig Peebles in particular did an orsum job with this last year, but is busy making games and planes at the moment.  There are helpers ready to assist, but I think we need to designate a driver.

I’m happy to assist, and have last years files and experiences to build on, but can’t drive it this year, so I’m hoping someone would like a little summer project – it’s not hard, it’s just time.

If you’re interested please email me giselle at igdamelbourne dot org

Yeah, no, it’s not a paid gig, unless you mean paid in terms of the satisfaction and fuzzies you get from enabling many games to be made over a crazy, fun filled weekend, thern it’s paying through the roof!

Thanks, and now back to the ninja plans and housework.

 
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Posted in Events, Job

 

Ninja Christmas here we come

22 Nov

When: Saturday 10 December 12.00 – 4.00 pm

Where: The Rotunda, Edinbugh Gardens, North Fitzroy (http://maps NULL.google NULL.com NULL.au/maps?q=-37 NULL.786764,144 NULL.981566&hl=en&sll=37 NULL.786764,144 NULL.981566&sspn=9 NULL.284901,19 NULL.753418&vpsrc=0&t=m&z=15)

To get your ticket you must RSVP

Massive props to everyone who made this pozible (hurr hurr), especially

Big Ant Studios (http://bigant NULL.com/)

The Voxel Agents (http://www NULL.thevoxelagents NULL.com/)

Marshalls and Dent (http://www NULL.mdlaw NULL.com NULL.au/)

Kevin Powe – Voiceover artist (http://kevinpowe NULL.voiceoverartist NULL.com NULL.au/)

James Chimp (http://www NULL.jameschimp NULL.com/)

and the rest of you fab bunch.  Support those that support you!

Catering will be provided by Smokestack Lightning BBQ, which sounds delicious.

If you have an esky you can bring along to chill drinks, contact giselle at igdamelbourne dot org to let me know, cold drinks are tops in December.

Thanks again, and we hope to see you there.

 
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Posted in Other

 

GCAP11 tea and cupcakes: your cordial invitation

10 Nov

GCAP 2011 Journeys with friends – A cordial invitation: Join us for a chat over tea and cupcakes

Panel / Roundtable
Wednesday 16th November
1.35 pm – 2.35pm
GCAP Room 217 (http://gcap NULL.com NULL.au/wp/?page_id=13/#journeyswithfriends)

Journeys with friends beyond the cube: education and diversity in an evolving creative environment and what the opening of new playable spaces means to both education and industry

Calling those who have an interest in the future of game education and the changing shape of the game sector in Australia: educators, industry employers, indies, curators & interested others are invited to a panel / roundtable session with the ‘aunties’ to discuss and clarify a useful new discourse – language framework for the next phase of the journey. Tea and Cupcakes will be provided.

Visit the GCAP 2011 ‘Journeys with friends’ session description:

http://gcap.com.au/wp/?page_id=13/#journeyswithfriends (http://gcap NULL.com NULL.au/wp/?page_id=13/#journeyswithfriends)

Featuring:  Matt Ditton (Defiant, QCA) Lubi Thomas (QUT CI Precincts, Game On) and truna aka j.turner (IGDA Brisbane, Game On) and yours truly

Cupcakes kindly sponsored by HALFBRICK (http://www NULL.halfbrick NULL.com/)

 
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Posted in Events

 

Game Jam site is go

03 Nov

The first steps towards Global Game Jam, Melbourne 2012, have been taken.

We’re now official at the Global Game Jam Site (http://globalgamejam NULL.org/sites/2012/igda-melbourne-la-trobe), so you can register as a contender there.  There will be more registration details etc in the coming months.

But yay! Game Jam!

 
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Posted in Events

 

FMOD come to the party with an iPad2

07 Oct

Thanks to the wonderful folk at FMOD (http://www NULL.fmod NULL.org/) the grand prize for IGDAM Trivia night is an iPad2!

Make sure you register for this fun event, where you can pit your games knowledge against your peers in a friendly networking environment.

When: Tuesday 11 October Doors open 6pm, games start at 7pm

Where: 1000 Pound Bend, 361 Little Lon

You must register for this event for security and logistics, we hope you understand.

There are murmers of other prizes, we’ll be sure to keep you posted when we have confirmation.

It’s a team game, and then winner takes all (well, most there will also be some gift cards and lollipops to be won as well, at the very least).

 
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Posted in Other

 

Playtime – Tuesday 13 September, 1000£ Bend

06 Sep

When: Tuesday 13 September

Where: Playtime – Tuesday 13 September, 1000£ Bend, 361 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne

If you’ve been watching this space at all,  it’s time to explore the elements of play through experience

September’s IGDAM has a playful Spring theme: playtime.

With drink in hand watch, or explore first hand, some of the basic elements of play. There’ll be opportunities to discuss your personal and group player experiences, and consider how that affects your own game design and creation process.

In line with the theme of ‘Playtime’, this event is all about trying your hand at some fun new experiences, in a group setting. It’s all friendly, so feel free to come along and contribute as much as you want, or stand back and watch the antics!

6.30: Back bar opens for IGDAM (The burgers are a bargain and delicious beforehand in the front bar).

7.30: Welcome, rules of each game explained briefly by the GM’s and how it’s a speed-gaming event depending on who wants to play (you may have noticed, there are a few of us)

7.45: Let playtime commence! Join in, watch, or continue doing what you where doing.  This is a chance to open up discussions around the development and limitations of a game, be it in scope, mechanics or interactivity.
8.30: Wrap up, thank yous and announcements, and of course you can keep on playing until the mood takes you, or the owners of the game take their bat and ball and go home.

So come along, join the fun and talk all things dev with likeminded souls.

 
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Posted in Events

 

Open Mic Night Running Sheet: Tuesday July 12

06 Jul

Hey devs

Come along next week and hear about some exciting new game projects and initiatives at our Open Mic Night!

When: From 6.00pm, mic’s turn on at 7.00* (give or take, but earlier than usual to fit it all in!)

Where: 1000 Pound Bend, Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne (http://maps NULL.google NULL.com NULL.au/maps/place?q=thousand+pound+bend+melbourne+vic&hl=en&cid=7164293019652141101)

We’ve received a huge response to our call-out, so much that we unfortunately can’t fit everyone into the one night. Don’t worry though, you can expect more Open-Mic events to come. In particular, we’re looking at hosting a presentation evening later this year specific to student groups, to give them a chance to publicly show off their hard work for the year.

but without further ado, the running sheet for next week is as follows:

  • QBOY – Student Project (Student Presentation)
  • Swing Interactive – Student Project (Student Presentation)
  • Harry Lee – Current and future projects and Harry’s Jam (Student Presentation)
  • Wicked Awesome Pty Ltd – “The Adventures of James Chimp”
  • Anomolous Interactive – “Homemade Shooter” to “Slingshot Justice”
  • Chris Mackenzie – AdHatchers Advertising Agency
  • Trent Kusters – Introduction to  “League of Geeks”
  • David Thompson -  GameLoft Auckland update
  • Casper Pieters – 3 Part TV Series with a related Gaming Platform (He wants to pick your brains!)
  • Raptus Games – Starting a new Indie Studio, preview of first release ‘Draw’
  • Walk Through The Clock – First year as an Indie startup
  • PlayBit Entertainment – “Puzzle Treasure”……phew!

It’s ok, we’ll go all old fashioned and have an intermission on this one, and it’s micro-talks or midnight.  If there’s a particular project or topic you’d like to discuss futher just catch up with the presenter later in the night.

We’ll also hear  from Paul Callaghan about  Freeplay (http://www NULL.freeplay NULL.net NULL.au/), which is just around the corner, and Tony Reed from the GDAA (http://gdaa NULL.com NULL.au/) will explain who can take advantage of the new R&D Tax Credits and how.

Finally, although not chronologically, there will be a sneak preview for an exciting event that IGDA is helping to bring to Melbourne next year…any guesses?

Come along to hear all about it all!

 
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Posted in Other

 
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