We recently published a blog post about devICT, a nonprofit for Wichita’s local software developer community, and several of their events.
This week, we’re writing about one of their most popular events, Game Jam, where devICT participants and those interested in coding get together in person or virtually (depending on the particular Game Jam) to make a game within a set time limit, usually 48 or 72 hours.
devICT Game Jams
devICT Game Jams all have a similar format. They begin Friday evening and end Sunday afternoon, so they’re around 48 hours. A theme is chosen either based on the themes from the Global Game Jam or from submissions voted on at the start of the jam. Then, everyone divides into teams, or you can choose to work solo.
After that, the next few days are spent collaborating, coding, and snacking. While the contest lasts the weekend, participants are encouraged to go home, sleep, and then come back each day to start again. The Game Jam ends with the judges voting on their favorite games and teams playing each others’ games.
Prizes include “bragging rights” and “the fun had along the way.”
How to Play:
Join the devICT Slack events channel.
Sign up for the Game Jam whenever they post about it.
Go to the event.
When:
Winter Jam- Late January, coinciding with the Global Game Jam.
Summer Jam- Mid to late July. 2025 dates to be determined.
What’s It Really Like?
Ask Groover Labs member Charlie Burnham!
Charlie Burnham
Charlie has been a member of Groover Labs since 2021, and he’s participated in every devICT Game Jam since 2015. He was even there dreaming the event up with one of its original leaders, local programmer Jim Rice, before its official adoption.
He’s a regular in the hotseat area, and if ever you get the chance to talk to him, you’ll be astounded at his knowledge and experience in everything development, especially game development. You can discuss the nuances and benefits of C++ and C#, game development, debate the benefits of AI in coding; or, learn about the game he’s currently working on- soon to be released for Beta testing!
Game development is in Charlie’s blood. He learned to code to make new levels for the tile-based game Chip’s Challenge (which Microsoft licensed for Windows 3.1).
This passion for solving puzzles and knowledge of game development eventually led him to his career. Charlie, when he isn’t working on his own games, is a remote worker for a company that creates insurance software and does full-stack web dev, back-end development, and front-facing work.
devICT allows Charlie to stay connected to his gaming roots and meet other people with similar interests. He’s an active participant in the devICT community. You can find Charlie at many of the events, including Code & Coffee, dev Lunch, and the biannual Game Jams. He’s even competed in several online Game Jams, including the Ludum Dare Game Jam.
With so many Game Jam experiences, Charlie is the person to talk to!
He’s worked in teams; he’s worked solo; he participated in other Game Jams; and here’s his takeaway:
Game Jams are a great way to experiment, learn, and try new things.
Many Game Jams are online, and as a software developer who works remotely, Charlie finds in-person Game Jams like devICT’s energizing.
The biggest challenge when creating a game, whether with a team or solo, is getting all of the core game elements, the gameplay, the story, and the assets, to come together in a neat package that people find fun and engaging to play.
Overall, Game Jams can both encourage and challenge your creativity, all while allowing you to make new friends.
Why’s It Important
Game Jams connect devICT to the broader international developer community. Wichita has so many tech opportunities. If you or someone you know is interested in game development, this is a great opportunity to get involved!