Thursday, August 21, 2014

Guest Post: Jam This Weekend With RunJumpDev!

 


I had the pleasure of meeting some representatives from RunJumpDev, a local video game design collaborative. Recently, they partnered with the Lexington Public Library for The Lexitron, a throwback to classic arcade gaming. They exhibited at LexiCon Gaming Convention where several of their partner video game companies had their projects on display.

I'm happy to host Amanda Wallace on the blog today. Amanda is an Associate Editor at Game Skinny and is a Lexingtonian. Look for more posts from her in the future here on Kentucky Geek Girl! Take it away Amanda!




This weekend, the 22-25th, Lexington’s own game development group RunJumpDev will be hosting a Ludum Dare real world site at Awesome Inc in downtown Lexington. What is Ludum Dare? A thrice yearly game development jam.

A game jam is an event where interested parties make games for a pre-determined amount of time. In the case of Ludum Dare there is a 48 solo competition, where you’re supposed to work alone with assets you only create over the course of two days. This is great, typically, for more versed developers who’ve made games in the past. The other option is a more relaxed 72 hour jam, which allows you to work with others and use outside assets. Participants of either variation are welcome at the RunJumpDev site.

Never made a game before? Have no fear, Ludum Dare is the perfect time to start. Because the whole process takes place in a weekend, there’s plenty of time for experimentation and failure. Almost no one exits the process with a completed game, though several people have used ideas created during Ludum Dare to create experiences they would later turn into full games. Among game jams, Ludum Dare is sort of known for being the most relaxed, with a community that is always available for helpful constructive criticism.

What do you gain by joining the Ludum Dare site with RunJumpDev? On Friday, when the theme for the event is announced, there will be a group brainstorming session and teams will be formed based on what people are hoping to get from the jam. Experienced developers and amateurs alike will bring their skills to assignments.  This is why computer programmers, as well as artists and designers, are needed for the event so that we have a wide array of talent.

More information for the event can be found at the RunJumpDev website as well as on Facebook or feel free to reach out to RunJumpDev on Twitter. Hope to see you Friday!


Thanks, Amanda!

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