Malta Global Game Jam 2023

The Global Game Jam is a creative event where you team up with other people to make a playable game in 48 hours. Between February 3rd - 5th, 2023, jammers will be making games in more than 295 sites in 60 countries!

The Malta chapter of the Global Game Jam is organised by the Institute of Digital Games, University of Malta. This year we are returning to the regular in-person format. There will be limited amount of space available at the event. In addition to providing space for jammers, we also host exclusive keynotes and an expert panel. For more information on what to expect check out our Program and FAQ.

Game Jam Program

Friday, Feb 3rd 2023
Institute of Digital Games, 20 Triq L-Esperanto, Msida, MALTA
17:00 - 17:15Welcome and Introduction
17:15 - 17:40Keynote: Younès Rabii - Designing Games By Breaking and Combining Others
17:40 - 18:00Q&A Keynote
18:00 - 18:30Jam starts with the GGJ keynote and announcement of theme
18:30 - 19:30Guided Brainstorming and Group Formation with Dr. Antonios Liapis - (IDG)
Saturday, Feb 4th 2023
Institute of Digital Games, 20 Triq L-Esperanto, Msida, MALTA
11:00Deadline to create user profile and game page
16:00 - 17:00Expert Panel Feedback
Sunday, Feb 5th 2023
Institute of Digital Games, 20 Triq L-Esperanto, Msida, MALTA
17:00Game submission deadline - GGJ Website
17:30 - 19:30Arcade mode! Showcase your game and play the others!
19:30 - 20:30Vote for your favorite game - Malta GGJ Website
20:30Popular Vote winner announced

Special Guest

Younès Rabii

Younès Rabii is a PhD researcher in game AI and the award-winning designer of games such as SUPER IS HOT, Tea Garden and Cannelé & Nomnom. Their work has been previously exhibited in the French embassies and international festivals. Their current research is focused on building AI techniques that can help designers create new forms of play and storytelling. Younès' work has two main goals: (1) resist the systemic oppression within the AI and game industries; (2) create games that can surprise players and designers alike.


Keynote Designing Games By Breaking and Combining Others

In this talk, Younès will go over their own recent gamejam experiences and present you one of their favorite way to make new games: breaking apart older ones and merging them together. They will illustrate this process with their work on SUPER IS HOT, the Baba is You X SUPERHOT mashup that nobody expected — but against all odds, works. Drawing from their own experience, Younès will show you that, novice or veteran, this approach can help you grow as game designer.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have never made a game! Is this for me?

A Game Jam is the perfect opportunity to make your first game from start to finish! You'll team up with people with different skills (programmers, artists, designers, musicians, etc.) and various levels of experience.

Where should I go?

We meet at the Institute of Digital Games, 20 Triq L-Esperanto, Msida on Friday afternoon, 3rd of February. The premises will stay open till the jam ends on Sunday evening.

Do I need a team?

Don't come to the jam with a team. We encourage you to make a team on the spot. There will even be some time at the beginning of the jam to introduce yourself, pitch your ideas and to find people to jam with.

Can I bring my own equipment?

Yes! Bring any computers, laptops, musical instruments or anything else you think could be used to make a game. Of course, this year it's going to be online so you'll probably have your equipment lying around your room anyway.

We'll give you access to wifi and some prototyping materials, and you can also use our workstations that have some useful software installed.

How about food?

We'll provide some light snacks and drinks. There are also plenty of places to buy food around campus. Expect to pay around 10-15 euro per meal.

Can I go home to sleep?

You can, but if you want to spend the night over you’re welcome to do so! You might even bring a sleeping bag with you.

Is there a theme?

The Global Game Jam organisers have a secret theme that they will reveal at the beginning of the jam. All the jammers around the world will be making games that relate in some way to this theme.

What kind of game can I make?

Any kind! Digital games, board games, physical games etc. are all part of the Global Game Jam! Use any tools or assets that you can freely and legally share online. The Global Game Jam organisers have even created a great list of jamming resources to get you started.

Who owns my IP?

You and your team hold all rights to your game. At the end of the jam we’ll ask you to upload the executable and source code of your game (or instructions on how to replicate your non-digital game) to the Global Game Jam website under a Creative Commons, share, alter, no sell license.

Is it a competition?

Yeah, there’s a competitive aspect. At the end of the jam local game industry professionals will give feedback on your games and choose their favourite. We’ll also have a popular vote. But judging aside, our emphasis is on the creation of fun, experimental and innovative games. So let’s jam!

Institute of Digital Games

Write us via Email

tm.ude.mu@semaglatigid

Visit Us

Institute of Digital Games,
20 Triq L-Esperanto, Msida, Malta

Phone Us

+356 2340 3510