Global Game Jam site at DSU

January 31, 2023

Dakota State University will be hosting a Global Game Jam site from Friday, February 3 at 5 p.m. to Sunday, February 5 at 5 p.m. in The Beacom Institute of Technology.

Global Game Jam (GGJ) brings people together to spend 48 hours creating a game related to a central theme.

“Events like this bring together all levels of students for us,” said Erik Pederson, Assistant Professor of Game Design. “There are freshmen involved who have never been on a development team, all the way up to graduates who come back to participate because it was fun.”

This event allows students to participate in and witness the development of a game from start to finish.

“Going through the process of conceiving, producing, and sharing an interactive product is a greatly sought-after skillset for our graduates,” Pederson said.

The weekend allows participants to experience innovative and direct learning environments that differ from lecture-based delivery and other traditional learning settings. Attendees can contribute to different areas of the game’s production, such as coding, creating artwork, and developing the narrative.

“The participants get to experience how the industry works at a level where there is no fear of failing, thus making it a learning opportunity that is unparalleled for them,” Pederson said.

The event is open to people outside of the degree program and Dakota State. Last year, there were students from other majors, such as animation and networking. Additionally, the event is open to the public for ages 18 and up.

Dakota State has been a host site since the first GGJ in 2009.