OC’s Gaming and Animation Program Hosted Its Annual Global Game Jam in February

Once again, Oklahoma Christian University’s nationally ranked Gaming and Animation Program hosted the annual Global Game Jam. This event is a special opportunity for game designers to create a video game within just 48 hours. The video game marathon took place in the Sparks Lab and allowed students to demonstrate their skills and talents in a creative competition.

OC Instructor of Gaming and Animation Jacob Touchstone helped organize the weekend event.  

“We had a total of 41 participants, eight of which were returning alumni,” he said. “This year's theme was ‘Roots,’ and that's all they were given to go off of. From there, they had 48 hours to make a game using that theme.” 

Touchstone said he let OC’s chapter of the International Game Developers Association run the event.

“They provided the pizza from All American Pizza, and I provided plenty of snacks to keep them energized throughout the event,” he said. 

Touchstone said OC students created eight games, which can be found on the GGJ website here. 

Participating student Christian Johnson was thankful for the event.

“I participated in the Global Game Jam because it gave me more hands-on experience in working on a game-development team, and getting to work through all aspects of the game-design pipeline,” he said. “It pushes me to work faster and at a higher quality.” 

GGJ takes place at approved locations across the globe, meaning OC students were involved in a global event while building relationships within their program. This annual event gives students the push and drive they need to display their many talents in the video games they develop. The weekend requires students to use teamwork, determination and strategy to create complete video games in just 48 hours, an experience many students would not have otherwise. It’s just one more way OC’s nationally ranked Gaming and Animation Program sets students up for professional success.