Skip to main content

Global Game Jam Omaha with the CPL

UNO's Criss Library Creative Production Lab is leading the charge for Global Game Jam in Omaha! The goal: come together online and make a video game or board game; Jan. 27 - 31

  • date: 01/27/21 - 01/31/21
  • time: 5:30 PM - 5:00 PM
  • location: Online • maps
Global Game Jam Neon Graphic

The Global Game Jam® (GGJ) is the world's largest game creation event taking place around the world. The event stirs a global creative buzz in games, while at the same time exploring the process of game development through programming, design, narrative, and artistic expression. Condensed into a shortened development cycle, GGJ encourages people with all kinds of backgrounds to participate and contribute to this global spread of game development and creativity.

This year the entire event is online! Stay safe in the comfort of your own home while meeting new developers, artists, and creatives from around the world also interested in game design.

How it Works

Prior to the event, join local developers and hobbyists on discord to learn about development, share your ideas, and join a team.

The event begins on January 27th with a short video keynote and advice from leading game developers; then the secret theme is announced. All sites worldwide are challenged to make games based on the theme and to be completed by Sunday afternoon. Participants are invited to explore new technology tools, trying on new roles in development and testing their skills in new ways that requires them to design, develop, create, test, and make a new game by January 31st.

Anyone can participate, as long as they are over the age of majority in the country hosting the jam (in most places this is 18, but check with your local site if you are not sure). For Omaha, this means you need to be 19 to participate. Underage jammers can also participate if they are accompanied by a legal guardian at all times.

Experience is not necessary! Designers, developers, artists, musicians, knitters, gardeners, architects, everyone and anyone is welcome to try their hand at making a game during the GGJ. If you want to make a new game within or using the tools of an existing game you can and should! Not sold on being a full on developer yet? You can learn many new skills and support your team by contributing ideas, playtesting, and giving moral support. You could even work on a non-digital game, or learn new skills through coding a digital game.

RHO Interactive Entertainment will be offering aid as legacy mentors, and Omaha Game Dev Association will be on call for outreach!

Meet other developers, ask questions, and start a team by joining the official discord.

Everyone interested in participation needs to register online, here.

If anyone has any specific requests or concerns, email Charles Fisher.