First Women’s Game Jam for Namibia
If you like games and want to create your own or develop a new version of your favourite, now is your chance!Namibia makes its debut this month as one of 16 countries on the global stage for the development of games when the first Women's Game Jam (WGJ) is presented here for the first time.
WGJ is a global marathon during which participants are challenged to design and create a game within 48 hours.
The Namibian "jam" takes place at the same time as that in 15 countries outside of Africa, also in Europe and Latin America and is affiliated with the global WGJ initiative.
Local organiser Ndamono Shikoyeni said that during the international marathon, participants are given the task of planning and creating a digital or analog game based on a theme that is revealed at the beginning of the "jam".
“Games can range from video to card or paper games. Participants can work on finished games or prototypes,” says Ndamono.
WGM is based on the promotion of technology, which of course includes creativity. "The goal is to promote a sense of 'belonging' for women in the local gaming development community. Also to increase visibility and offer incentives to women who are interested in a career in the games industry," Ndamono says.
At the same time, the local WGJ chapter also wants to create a positive and welcoming environment where female gaming enthusiasts, both beginners and those more experienced in the industry, have the opportunity to exchange experiences and learn from each other.
If you are a woman aged 18 and over and you love and are interested in new technologies and all things creative, you fit into the participant box for Namibia's very first WGJ. You don't need previous gaming experience to participate, but you can enter by 5 August at the latest.
The WGJ takes place from 9 to 11 August, with participants gathering on the first day for a welcome session with an international keynote speaker.
"The theme for this year's 'jam' will also be revealed then. Participants, either in-person or online, form teams and begin the 48-hour development journey.
According to Ndamono, who is also the co-founder of EduGame Namibia, it is a unique opportunity for local participants to get involved in a global community and also make a contribution to the game development community.
The first edition of WGJ was held in 2018 and since then 4 040 participants worldwide have been part of it. Since the first edition, 576 games have been created worldwide.
If you want to know more, send an email to [email protected].
“Meet fellow gaming enthusiasts, learn, collaborate and have fun. Let's make history at Namibia's first WGJ." – [email protected]