GameJam! Design Contest Announced for SIGGRAPH 2009

Organizers of the SIGGRAPH computer graphics and entertainment conference announced that GameJam!, a new international video game design competition, will take place at this year's event. The contest challenges teams of student, amateur, and professional developers to create a working game prototype over a 24-hour period. The competition is open to teams composed of one programmer, one artist, and one sound designer. Individual developers are also welcome to apply. The teams will be assigned a specific game design theme, and will be given tools and software on-site to complete the challenge. Once the competition has ended, the results will be judged by a panel of selected industry experts. Prizes will be awarded in categories including Best Game Play, Best Sound Design, Best Appearance, Best of Show, and Crowd Favorite. "SIGGRAPH's expanded focus into the videogame arena offers a great opportunity for a competition like GameJam! to bring some experimental gameplay into the mix," said SIGGRAPH Director of Interactive Play Drew Davidson. "We encourage videogame developers at all levels from around the globe to submit applications. Our goal is to make GameJam! one of the most dynamic, international videogame competitions in the world." SIGGRAPH 2009 will be held between August 3rd and 7th at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Those wishing to participate in the GameJam! competition must submit an application at SIGGRAPH's website.