Teams compete to create unique games in just 48 hours at UHI Moray.
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This past weekend, the vibrant city of Elgin in Scotland became a hub of creativity and innovation as gamers from across the region gathered for the Moray Game Jam. This unique event challenged 17 teams to design and develop either a board game or a video game from scratch within a tight timeframe of just 48 hours.
The theme, revealed only upon arrival, was ‘when the planets align, anything can happen,’ setting the stage for a weekend filled with imagination and collaboration.
Creative breakthroughs and teamwork
The atmosphere at UHI Moray was electric as participants dove into their projects, fueled by passion and determination.
Among the standout creations was the board game titled Celestial Garden, developed by the team No Loading Required, which included members Alysa Thomson, Scott Simpson, Alex Murray, and Cari Watterton. This team, hailing from various parts of Scotland, showcased their dedication by even sleeping under desks to meet their deadline. Alysa, who is from Edinburgh, shared her experience: “We’ve been sleeping under the tables. It just means that when we’re tired, we can crash but others can stay up and make the game.” Their hard work paid off as they were awarded the top prize by the judging panel.
Innovative games take center stage
Another notable entry was Pastel Planets, created by Andrew French from Stikkz Media. This video game challenges players to navigate their spaceship to align planets, each with unique gravitational pulls and speeds, while avoiding an entity that threatens to destroy them. Andrew expressed the significance of the event, stating, “You get people travelling up from all over Scotland for it. It’s a good Game Jam. It’s absolutely great for beginners too.” This sentiment was echoed by many participants, highlighting the inclusive nature of the event.
Public engagement and recognition
The Moray Game Jam also allowed the public to engage with the creations, providing feedback and votes for their favorite games. The People’s Choice award went to Team Lobsters for their board game The Prophecy. Team member Theo Addison remarked on the collaborative spirit fostered by the event, stating, “I usually struggle to get used to people, but the Game Jam forces you to work as a team. We’ve all worked really well together.” Another team, Openly Game Men, won the People’s Choice category for their game Duck-stronaut, showcasing the diverse range of ideas and creativity present at the event.
Personal stories and aspirations
Among the participants was Will Atkinson, who created his game Proved Dad Wrong during his first Moray Game Jam. Will’s game revolves around a narrative where a father doubts his son’s aspirations to become a game developer, challenging him to prove his worth by aligning planets. Will shared his motivation, saying, “Even today, just seeing kids sitting down and enjoying my game is the most rewarding part of all of this. Being able to turn that into a career would be amazing.” His story reflects the dreams and ambitions of many young developers who participated in the event.
