Global Game Jam, the world’s largest game creation event, wraps up its first event in Atlantic Canada this weekend.
The 48-hour event is a final challenge that tests computer skills. Students of all ages are tasked with designing and developing video games from scratch.
“It’s really a test of what you’re capable of, and what it is that you’re capable of motivating other people and making things work,” said Christopher Edgett, a computer science student at Dalhousie University. in challenge.
‘Huge opportunity’ – Regina helping developer Sask. cash on the gaming market
Grammys 2023: The brightest, boldest and best looks from the red carpet
The event was hosted by the Computer Science Facility at Dalhousie University in Halifax. The goal was to help students build skills they never knew existed through educational opportunities to learn computer design.
“It’s really about opening the door for them to consider pursuing computer science as a possibility,” said Emily Fenton of ShiftKey Labs, which partnered with Dalhousie.
“Gaming is one of the things they’re very familiar with,” Fenton said. “Giving them the tools so they can build those games themselves is a really cool introduction into computer science, … coding and programming.”
The event was also used as a way to promote diversity and inclusion by encouraging students from all groups to learn more about their abilities.
“Many times in science, technology, engineering, math or STEM there is not the best equality between multiple genders and different races,” said Rina Wehbe, assistant professor at Dalhousie.
“We want people to know that whoever you are, wherever you are, you can come here and jam with us. It is considered an inclusive and safe place.
Melat Mafi, who participated in the event, said that the challenge definitely ignited interest in the development of the game.
“I guess I just thought that people who do game development looked a specific way, so it never felt like I connected myself, but from the first game jam I went to, I realized It happened that it is not so.” Mafi said.
The organizers hope to return next year with an even bigger competition.
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.