The First Romanian Academic Game Jam – The Systematization of the Working Process

This paper aims to describe the process of turning a public event such as a game jam into a formal one. Preceded by a short history and definitions around this term, specific rules and methods are presented. It also explains the importance of establishing gaming events such as game jams at the heart of the academic medium, thereby bringing students, teachers and professional game developers together at the same table. Furthermore, the research of this process is directed towards the context of the Romanian gaming industry and the game curriculum offered by universities. The range of offers in the Romanian academic gaming landscape is still barren compared to the industry’s present-day development and its growing requirements. Thus, any initiative in this framework represents a step forward in developing a strong scholarly collective not just for the formation of the students, but also for improving the quality and originality of future games. From every angle one may look at the situation, these events could be a key that unlocks a myriad of doors.