Oklahoma Christian University to host annual Global Game Jam

Aspiring game developers will create new games in a 48-hour collaboration.

It is that time of year again for video game designers, a time to let their creative juices flow and show off what they can design at Oklahoma Christian University’s annual Global Game Jam. GGJ is an opportunity for students to create a video-game in a 48-hour marathon from Jan. 28 to Jan. 30. It will be held in the Sparks Lab and led by Skylar Thomas, assistant professor of Gaming and Animation, as well as a few other OC students, such as Lanie Mcquien, a senior Gaming and Animation student. Mcquien expressed the importance of the GGJ for students in the Gaming and Animation program.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for students to develop experience in a team atmosphere,” she said. “Knowing how to work both within time parameters and with other people can be one of the most important things in the game industries.”

GGJ events occur at sanctioned sites around the world, meaning OC students are part of a global 48-hour marathon to develop new games while working as a team and having a lot of fun. Those interested should reach out to Thomas or Jacob Touchstone, an instructor of Gaming and Animation. A number of popular games in the last few years, such as “Baba is You,” started at GGJ events. This year’s theme is “Duality.” 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals have the option to participate in person or online, as gamers have the ability to join a virtual group. 

While aspiring game developers are encouraged to participate in OC’s GGJ, anyone from any major or background can join this event. Past participants have included students and alumni from multiple programs such as English majors as script writers and Music majors as sound designers. Previous GGJ events at OC have also used OC Music’s Kicker Sound Lab. Students of all disciplines are welcome to join in the marathon or join the conversation on social media using the hashtags #OCGGJ22 and #GameOnEagles.