University Gamejam

University Gamejam is a week long event where Staff, Students, Alumni and Professionals 'come along' and try to make a game during normal office hours. It has been running since 2009 and has included events in China, USA and Europe.

The Gamejam T-Shirt & Merch Shop is here - https://tinyurl.com/GJTshirtShop - so if there is a previous t-shirt design you are looking for or you just fancy a new hat, then head to the Gamejam T-Shirt Store

If you’d like to make a no obligation donation to help support the Game Jam this year, you can do so here: https://ko-fi.com/uopgamejam2024

tinyurl.com/GJTshirtShop

Gamejam 2025 T-Shirt Instructions

T-Shirt ordering guide:-

You can, of course, use any print on demand service that you would like, and you can buy any type of t-shirt that they have available - but here are the instructions for the service that I used…  

TL:DR - click this link, pick your shirt and hit purchase - https://streetshirts.com/products/design-your-own-t-shirts?designkey=PFC%5BSSDaqfkaARorwVuMMYXMougil0WDJq%5D I feel like the “badge” on the front of mine could be bigger and moved a bit lower - the back print could probably be a tiny bit bigger too, but it’s up to you!

Long version….

Go to www.streetshirts.co.uk,,
Click Create & Buy T-shirts,,
Click button in the toolbar to Add Image,,
Add the front badge image to the shirt,
On the left of the t-shirt designer, click Show Back,,
Then click the button on the left to Add Image,,
Add the back image included below….,,
Change the size of the graphic as you see fit. I left it as it was, but it came out a bit small, so you may want to make it a bit larger.,,
Under ‘Garment’, click the drop down to T-Shirts,,

I selected the Unisex T-Shirt (£11.99) - this varies by type of shirt and size, It should be white by default, but you can select the colour of your choosing here.,

Click Add To Basket,,
Choose your size from the list, Add to Basket,,
Then select Go To Basket,,
Fill out your details and delivery charge - I used the standard delivery and it arrived in 2 days,,

With these selections your price should be £14.98 I’ll be wearing my creation on Monday if you’d like to have a look before purchasing- or click the link provided above for a preview. Gamejam and the University of Portsmouth are not involved in this transaction and we cannot assist with any returns, refunds or complaints with purchasing a t-shirt in this way. Thanks again and congratulations to Cody Mason and Jessica Rayner Tickner for this year's designs!

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What is a game jam

Game jams are generally social, collaborative competitions where competitors, usually form into teams, have to make a video game from scratch and in a set period of time.

Unlike other gamejams, our format lasts a week, during normal office hours.

Who should enter?

This year the event is open to anyone 18 or over (unless specific arrangements have been made with us before hand). You can take part as part of a team, or just work on your own. You don't need experience or specific skills, just enthusiasm.

Closer to the event date/s, an application form or other kind of registration will be available from here, or via facebook/twitter/discord.

What hardware and software is available?

Each centre has slightly different resources, but will normally try to make everything on site available should you need it. At Portsmouth you would have access to standard university software, including 3D Studio MAX, Maya, ZBrush, Mudbox, Adobe CC and Visual Studio. We also have 20 PS5 Dev kits, although special arrangements need to be in place to use these. There is limited access to Unreal Engine 4, Unity and Gamemaker.

What software can I use to make a game?

Anything you like. You should be aware, however that your game will need to be demonstrated to an audience, therefore will need to be downloadable and playable on a Windows PC. For non computer game entries, you can discuss this with the organisers.

If you have software with a valid license and want to install this, then this is at the discretion of the host institute.

How big can my team be?

This is up to you. You can work on own, but if you want to form a team, we would suggest that anything bigger than 5 gets unruly.

What kind of game can I make?

Any kind of game can be made. The themes will be announced in the Opening Ceremony. There are options and you should discuss this with the staff on discord before the event, if you have specific questions.

How are the games judged?

We normally have a panel of judges from industry to look at the entries. Failing this, the entries will be judged by the competition organiser. Some categories will be judged by Participants.

What are the prize categories?

Prize categories judged by professionals:

Best Adaptation of the Theme(s)
Best Use of Technology
Most Ambitious Idea
Diversity
Best Overall

Prize categories judged by you/guests

Best Looking Game
Best Audio
Best Design
People's Choice

Note, prizes are not always awarded for all of these categories, additional categories will be added at judges discretion and categories get reviewed before each event. These are provided therefore, as examples. There is no financial reward for any of our prizes.

Can we make any game we like?

No. The theme for your game will be decided on the Monday, at the opening ceremony. This will be agreed upon, based on three random Wikipedia articles (excluding stubs). You must then base the theme of your game around one (or more) of those three articles.

Can I bring in the assets I have been working on?

Yes.. And no. Game jams are meant to be more fun than competition, and we would not want to see almost complete games being brought in with a view to trying to win. We would rather you made your game from scratch. The event is more about meeting new people, learning new techniques and passing on your own profound wisdom to others.

How much does it cost?

Entrance cost if free for physical or virtual participants this year

Online registration will be linked from this site when it is live.

Why is it run?

Initially, we ran this event to trial innovative new ways of learning and teaching at the Portsmouth location. Nowadays, we run the event for fun, learning and networking /recruitment. Judges, often from industry are invited to join us for the awards and post awards drinks and this forms the recruitment part of the event - we plan to expand upon this in the near future.

What if my game is brilliant? Who owns it?

You do.

Your team owns the IP of the game, however the licenses of software may limit your use, and may not allow it to be used for commercial purposes unless you acquire the professional version of the software.

We would, however, seek your approval for us to take photos and/or videos of you and your work in order to promote the event in the future. If you're really, really nice it would be great to have a copy of your game and permission to use it for promotional purposes too. If we asked really nicely, could you include the Game Jam logo in your titles?

The staff (and I'm sure, visiting professionals) will be more than happy to help you in your endeavours.

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