Shanghai Game Jam Kicks Off July 22

Organizers for the Shanghai Game Jam have announced that the two-day IGF China-sponsored event, which invites attendees to join a team and rapidly prototype a game in 48 hours, will start on July 22. As with similar game jams hosted around the world, participants will build a video game from scratch, using hardware and other development materials they provide themselves. They also have the option of creating non-digital projects like board or card games. The game jam begins on at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 22, and attendees will be given time to sign in, socialize, and possibly form a group before the event's theme is revealed. After that, teams will have 48 hours to build a game that they will present to their peers at the contest's conclusion. It is recommended that developers partner with strangers -- organizers will reward outstanding games built by teams made up of strangers with Tutorials & Summit Passes for GDC China 2011 (valued at 1500 RMB/$232). The free event is open to anyone, regardless of experience or expertise, though the venue can only hold 50 participants. Those who sign up now at Shanghai Game Jam's official site will be able to guarantee a spot at the competition. Shanghai Game Jam is hosted by iOS developer Coconut Island and sponsored by The 3rd Annual IGF China competition - part of UBM TechWeb's Game Network, as is this website. IGF China's organizers encourage developers to submit their Shanghai Game Jam titles to its own contest afterward. Chinese developers around Beijing will have a similar event they can participate in, Game Jam - 2011 Summer Beijing, which also begins on July 22. More information is available at local independent gaming news site Doujin Game.