This information is for the 2019 event which is now over. Please watch here for information on the Fall of 2021 event as the details are finalized

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be part of making a video game?

How do you test ideas, prototype the technology, get buy-in, and start a company?

What resources and support systems are available for hi-tech startup companies operating in the Fraser Valley? The Game Jam is the place to not just learn, but experience all of this in one highly compressed 24 hours on October 18th & 19th, 2019, from 5pm to 5pm

Final presentations and a chance to play all the games are from 3pm to 5pm on Saturday, and are open to the public with free admission. Come cheer on these teams, and teams invite your friends and family

Questions, and Answers

Who is this for?

This event is targeting Gamers, creative arts including Audio / Music, 2D and or 3D Art and hi-tech college and university students in the Fraser Valley, but is open to anyone over the age of 18 who wants to get involved.

Any and all levels of experience are welcome. 

If you have an existing team, you are more than welcome to enter as a team.

When and where is this happening?

Starts at 5PM on Friday, October 18th, and wraps up at 5PM the next day. Yes, it is an overnight event, including a Halo FFA tournament to keep the adrenaline going!

The event is happening at the Chilliwack Downtown Business Center, at 9240 Young Road, Chilliwack, BC

What if I don't have a team?

No problem! We will start the event off by playing matchmaker between people and teams

Ideal team

Sizes are typically 3 to 6, but teams may be any size.

These are the skillsets required on each team although each person does not need every skill.

1. Programming: Previous experiences is required for each team
2. Art: User interface design, environment, characters
3. Music and sound effects: Good games have audio
4. Game design: Hold the vision of the game / document features to ensure the game is fun
5. Project management: Ensure their is an achievable trackable plan to deliver the game on time

Who is going to help guide us during the Game Jam?

We have put together a panel of experienced game development experts to help you throughout the event. These mentors will be available at specific times throughout the event.

What does the schedule look like?

Friday:

• 5:00pm to 5:30pm: Registration / Networking:  don't be late for this
• 5:30pm to 6:00pm: Introduction to the judging criteria and game themes
• 6:00pm to 6:30pm: Organize people not already on a team, brainstorm on game ideas
• 7:00pm to 9:00pm: Mentors available

Yes, this really is an all-nighter; bring a sleeping bag and a pillow if you think you'll want a nap.

Saturday:

• 9:00am to 12:00pm: Mentors available
• 1:30pm to 2:30pm: Mentors available
• 2:30pm to 4:00pm: Halo Tournament
• 4PM Game development time complete
• 4:00pm to 5:00pm: Game Demo / Games available to be played 
• 5:00pm to 5:30pm: Awards

Judging

Each game will be judged based on the following criteria:

1. Game Concept document: / 20
2. Game Completeness: / 60
   1. Fun factor: / 25
   2. Complete Art, Audio and Music: / 25
   3. Fully playable including scoring / objectives: / 10
3. Game Pitch: / 20
   1. Game Concept: / 10
   2. Business Model: /10

Who is going to judge the teams, and how do they choose a winner?

We have a panel of all-star judges to select the winning team, plus input from our mentors.

Halo Tournament

In order to keep the adrenaline running, and to include additional participants in the event, there will be a Halo Tournament on Saturday at 2:30pm! The game format will be doubles, and will consist of 2v2 and 2v2v2 games on the maps Truth (for 2v2) and/or Regret (for 2v2v2). The gaming equipment will be provided, and the game will run on a local Halo 5 LAN server. You are welcome to bring your own controller and you NEED TO bring your own headphones or earbuds. The wining team will be awarded a $100 cash prize.

Experience and learning is all great, but are there prizes?

You bet! The first placed team will win:

• $500 in Prize Money for the winning team to help further develop their game and business
• One year of 1-on-1 mentorship from the Chilliwack.Tech community

Great! How do I register?

Registrations are right below; don't delay, register today! Registration costs $10 plus GST, and includes snacks and drinks throughout the event. Bring your own meals, or order them in. Please do encourage your friends to join you, and if you are bring a team, please be sure that all of them have signed up :)

Final presentations and awards are open to the public

Invite your family and friends to be the first to see what your team created! All members of the community are welcome to come and cheer on all teams, and potential investors are encouraged to chat with the teams after the awards.

Can we build any of our game ahead of time? 

No, all games must be started during the event as there will be specific themes available.

Register