48-Hour Design Jam

About the Design Jam

On Sept 25 – 27, 2009, four fearless teams of 20 MDM students, unknown to each other a mere three weeks earlier, spent the weekend jamming. Their task was to design a form of digital media based on a specific theme. In less than 48 hours, they had to form teams, brainstorm, select the best idea, identify tasks and job responsibilities, and finally build, from scratch, a working prototype with at least five to ten minutes of content.

The collaborative and creative spirit was intense throughout the weekend. Some students had to learn entirely new software. Others contributed to the project outside of their own fields of expertise. But above all, every participant pushed the limits of their own abilities to produce something they could be proud of.

Representatives from the industry were invited to act as mentors, advisers and judges. They were blown away by the talent, competitive spirit and speed at which the teams completed their projects.

Boblivious
Fattie’s Butterfly Hunt
Droplet
Ubu

Feedback from Industry Representatives at the Design Jam

Representatives from the industry were invited to act as mentors, advisers and judges. They were blown away by the talent, competitive spirit and speed at which the teams completed their projects.

I was impressed that the students not only made complete playable games in a mere 48 hours but that they had never used the tools before either! The event was well organised and had a great energy - it was a pleasure to be invited to be a judge.
Jake Birkett, Lead Programmer /Designer, Big Fish Games

Building a playable game in the short time allotted is impressive in it’s own right. However, the variances in mechanics and style displayed is even more remarkable, especially given the teams' lack of experience with the software used. Most significant, however, is their dedication to continue refining the games and complete the visions they developed at the Design Jam.
George Johnson, Faculty, Masters of Digital Media Program

To have an idea for something and actually finish it is one thing, but to accomplish it in 48 hours is extraordinary. Congratulations to the participants in demonstrating powerful and productive creativity while feeling the pressure of a 400kg deadline on their backs. Well done! Look forward to the next one!
Brian Vidovic, Designer, Radical Entertainment

I couldn't have hoped for a better group of inventive, committed individuals: Within the first few hours of the Jam, the students had already impressed me by the diversity of their ideas following a quick brainstorming session. By Saturday night, all four teams had a working prototype of their game - a considerable feat, for less than 24 hours of development! And each of the four teams delivered a working - nearly bug-free! - version of their game by the Sunday afternoon deadline. Congratulations to all the participants on a job well done. I look forward to seeing what you produce in the future.
Ashley Blacquiere, Design Jam Organizer, MDM Graduate (Class of 2009), Mission Designer, Radical Entertainment

Event Organizers and Industry Guests

Brian, George, Jake and Ashley were joined by the following from industry who doled out sage advice and encouraging words:

  • Graham Jans, Game Designer, Capture Play Systems
  • Greg Hennessey, Game Designer, Radical Entertainment
  • George Tatoulis, Programmer, Radical Entertainment
  • Mark Baxter, Designer/VP Product, FitBrains
  • Justin McGuire, Designer, Electronic Arts
  • Ricardo Carretero, Lead Designer, Koolhaus Games

The First Annual MDM Design Jam was a success on all accounts. Thank you to all those who participated.