Unleashing Creativity in the Face of Apocalypse: Taylor University's Captivating GameJam

From horror to puzzles to strategy, this semester's participants in the bi-annual GameJam all had a different take on the theme: "The world ends in two minutes." Over the course of a single weekend, 13 teams of students worked tirelessly to design and develop games that captured the essence of this apocalyptic premise.

Unleashing Creativity Under Pressure

A 24-Hour Game Development Sprint

The GameJam event challenged students to push the boundaries of their creativity and technical skills. Gathering in Euler Science Building classrooms 217 and 218, the teams had just 24 hours to conceptualize, design, and build their games. Working in collaborative pods, they leveraged their coding, art, and musical talents to bring their visions to life.

Diverse Interpretations of the Theme

The range of games produced was truly impressive, reflecting the participants' diverse perspectives on the "world ends in two minutes" theme. Some teams explored the horror and tension of a rapidly approaching doomsday, while others opted for more puzzle-based or strategic gameplay. The creativity and ingenuity on display were a testament to the students' passion and problem-solving abilities.

Showcasing and Judging the Games

As the 24-hour development period drew to a close, each team selected a volunteer to demonstrate their game to the audience. The presentations were a lively affair, filled with applause and encouragement as the developers explained the various aspects of their creations. The audience judged the games based on criteria such as adherence to the theme, fun factor, completeness, visuals, audio, and arcade-ability.

Celebrating the Winners

The first-place award went to Anthony Buyer and Kelden Wright for their game, while second place was awarded to "2 Minutes to Die." The third-place prize was claimed by "Critter Clamber," created by Sadie Miller and Riana Schultz. The excitement was palpable as the winning teams were announced, with the third-place finishers expressing their determination to aim even higher in the next GameJam.

Fostering a Supportive Environment

Throughout the presentations, the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and mutual support. Even when games encountered technical difficulties, the participants uplifted one another, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that is central to the GameJam experience.

Empowering Students Beyond Computer Science

While the GameJam primarily attracts computer science and engineering majors, Jon Denning, the department chair, hopes to inspire non-major students as well. By providing tools like Scratch, he aims to empower all participants to explore their creativity and design their own games, regardless of their academic background.

Continuing the GameJam Legacy

Denning has been the driving force behind the GameJam since its inception in 2014, and he expressed his appreciation for the commitment and dedication of each participant. He recognized the challenges of balancing the event with the demands of the academic calendar, and he was grateful that the students were willing to sacrifice a weekend to immerse themselves in the GameJam experience.

Showcasing the Winning Games

The winning games from this GameJam will now be available for other students to play on the Taylor-cade, a rotating display located on the second floor of the Euler Science Building. This platform provides an opportunity for the broader campus community to engage with and enjoy the fruits of the students' labor.