Neumont’s Spring Game Jam 2024
Neumont’s Spring Game Jam 2024
The people have spoken! Ray Maple, Game Dev Chair, heard your pleas and decided to host another Jam: Spring Game Jam 2024. More than 35 people participated, and 29 games were submitted. Talk about a turnout.
WHAT IS IT?
The Olympics for game developers, AKA Game Jams, where enthusiasts and so-called pros gather to churn out games at the speed of light. They work themselves to the bone, solo or in teams, to create something from scratch in a ridiculously short time frame. And let's not forget the cherry on top: there's always a theme they must fit into their creations, just to keep things spicy.
The event attracted individuals from diverse backgrounds, all united by their love for gaming. A Neumont alum also participated in this year’s Spring Game Jam – Mark Nusser, who is currently a software developer at WinMill Software. Mark had this to say about the event, “Game jams are an amazing opportunity to test your limits and see what you can create in a very short time limit, and Maple’s jams are no exception. I had so much fun and look forward to attempting a back-to-back victory in the next one!”
The judging panel, comprised of industry professionals, faculty members, and the public, were tasked with voting for the winners across various categories. In the end, the standout games emerged victorious, earning recognition for their outstanding creativity and execution.
WHO WON?
Best Overall Game: LAB 374
Description: Lab 374 is a puzzle game where you solve puzzles in each room with cubes. To get into a new room, you must collect cubes and put them on colored buttons so they can open their doors. There is some platforming within the game where you must guess which square is real or not.
Best Graphic & Best Gameplay: BLOOD-DRIVE
Description: Blood-Drive is a racing game where you attack other cars for fuel. The more fuel you have the faster you go, but if you run out you get slower until eventually…you blow up.
Best Innovation: FAT RAT AND SPOUSE MOUSE
Description: Fat Rat and Spouse Mouse is an obstacle game where you control two mice, the first is controlled with WASD and the other is flung with your mouse. Each mouse has a different obstacle to avoid: the WASD mouse dodges a cat’s paws and goes around a Lego path while the fling mouse dodges sticky traps.
WHY WE DO IT
The Neumont Spring Game Jam 2024 is not just a competition but also a celebration of creativity, innovation, and collaboration within the gaming community. It provides participants with a platform to learn, grow, and make connections with like-minded individuals.
As the event ended, participants were left with a sense of accomplishment and inspiration, fueled by the experience of bringing their game ideas to fruition in a collaborative and supportive environment. With the success of this year's Spring Game Jam, anticipation is already building for the next installment, promising even more excitement and creativity.
Want to see the games? Check out all the Spring Game Jam entries below!