The Memphis Game Developers welcomed programmers to a three-day game creation event at the FedEx Institute of Technology over the weekend.
The programming organization was just one of the hundreds of development groups worldwide participating in the Global Game Jam.
Ernest McCracken, organizer and treasurer for the Memphis Game Developers, said anyone could join a game jam if they go through a registered Global Game Jam site.
"We do have to make sure we're registered as an official site because there are rules to make sure they are safe places," McCracken said.
After registering, the development groups were given a theme designated by the Global Game Jam headquarters in San Luis Obispo, California. This year the theme was "repair."
The organizers presented a 20-minute video to establish the rules with the audience. Members then split into teams to conceptualize their games.
Devitt Upkins, president of the Memphis Game Developers, said that game jams challenge developers by compacting a typical creative process into a shorter time period.
"The process from concept to prototyping, to polishing normally takes months or even years," Upkins said. "In a game jam, you do it all in a weekend."
Upkins said that through game jams, developers are forced to learn how to discipline themselves.
"The process is more rushed, but it also gives you hard deadlines," Upkins said.
Developers have seen improvements in the quality of their work after participating in game jams. McCracken said game jams make time in his busy schedule for developing projects.
"Game Jams have definitely improved my work," McCracken said. "If it weren't for game jams, I wouldn't have half of the projects I've done so far."
McCracken said he enjoys the freedom that comes from game jams.
"When these guys go on to work for a company, there's going to be limitations on what they can do," McCracken said. "Right now, is the time for them to freely express themselves."
Game jams have also helped developers push their work to large game companies. Devitt said several members formed successful kick-starters for their games through game jams.
"Right now, on Steam, if you look at their front page, there's a Global Game Jam section," Devitt said. "These are games that have launched on Steam for money that have gone on to be pretty popular."
The Memphis Game Developers have hosted smaller game jams and other workshops for programmers of varying proficiency levels.
"We talk about new technologies that we've discovered and new techniques," Devitt said. "Our members have come out of the Triple-A space and are going indie here, so they have unique insights as well."
Andrea Churchville, a graphic designer, said she has not participated in game jams before.
"I went to a few informational sessions because I'm not that much of a game developer," Churchville said. "I love video games, and I just find programming interesting."
Churchville said she was apprehensive about developing a game.
"At first, I was nervous about my skills and how I could help," Churchville said. "Now, I'm really enjoying working with people and seeing how far we can get in three days just with a theme and a concept."
