The Territory's first official Game Jam wrapped up following three weeks of intensive coding and design from Territorian game developers.
Over the course of the Game Jam, Northern Territory game developers were challenged to plan, design and code a game around the theme 'Wet vs Dry Season'.
Twenty-one Territorians took on the challenge, submitting eight new games for the competition which were available for the public to play and culminated in a showcase event at VR Gamers in Mitchell Street on Sunday 19 September 2021.
The videogame industry generated $250 billion dollars in revenue in the past year (in comparison, the global film industry was worth $138 billion in 2019 prior to the impact of COVID).
Game Jams are a great way for aspiring developers to increase their skills and network with their peers and encourage participation in the burgeoning industry. Dylan Bennett, founder of Larrikin Interactive was ecstatic about the support and enthusiasm exhibited by members of the growing community.
I am truly grateful for the support and enthusiasm for game development here in the NT. It is vital for Territorians to know that the NT is a home for people who want to be involved in the fastest growing creative industry in the world and together is how we achieve this!
Congratulations to the inaugural Game Jam champions:
- Most innovative game: Gold Rush Tower Defence
An amazing AI with very clever path finding mechanic meant this was a clear winner for the most innovative game.
- Best overall game: Don't go in the water / stay on dry land
From developers log to custom sprites, sounds and even a networking code for co-op, super smash style. This game was a truly inspiring effort and a testament to how robust your game design skills and toolkit is!
- Rising star: Escape the Seasons
At 13 years of age, learning to use the Godot engine after an insanely short amount of time, Brodie32 is an incredible game developer in the making!
- Dinki Di Award: Darwin Boating Simulator
What could be more "Dinki Di" than a boat in Buffalo creek saving a dog from a croc. An incredibly polished and fun game.