About the Startup GameJam
Do you dream of building the next blockbuster game and becoming a successful entrepreneur? Algoma is here to make that dream a reality!
We’re hosting the Algoma Startup GameJam, 2024, a 2-day intensive event where you can:
- Turn Your Ideas into Games: Learn to create game prototypes that transform your concepts into fully-fledged games using the powerful Unity engine with live training and support from Unity experts and Algoma’s development wizards.
- Become a startup CEO: Be part of the exclusive first cohort at Algoma’s brand-new incubator, where you’ll learn how to turn your game idea into a thriving business.
Date & Time:
- September 11 & 12, 2024
Location:
- SCIE Centre Brampton
(8 Queen St. East, Brampton, ON)
Prizes:
- First place – $3,000
- Second place – $2,000
- Third place – $1,000
*Last Date to Register: Aug 2, 2024
GameJam Breakdown
- September 11 – 12: Training by Unity Expert Instructors on the Business of Games and core technical development in Unity.
- September 12 – 27: Development of your Game Prototype and Pitch Deck by you and your team. After the training, you and your team will have two weeks to develop a game prototype and further develop your pitch deck.
- September 27: Demonstration of Game Prototypes and Pitch Decks to Unity and Algoma Judges.
Expectation
The goal of the GameJam is to create a Vertical Slice/Proof of Concept of your game.
A vertical slice is:
- A portion of a game that acts as a proof of concept for stakeholders before they agree to fund the rest.
OR
- A small, self-contained chunk of the game that allows someone to play through it and see all the major systems of the game working together
Preparation and Commitment
1. Passion for Games
2. Basic Development Knowledge
3. Teamwork
4. 15-Week Commitment
5. Enthusiasm for Learning
During the GameJam
1. Active Participation
2. Respectful Environment
3. Openness to Feedback
4. Problem-Solving Mindset
5. Time Management
Beyond the GameJam
1. Dedication to Learning
2. Entrepreneurial Spirit
3. Networking
4. Deliverables
5. Continued Innovation
Who are we seeking
- Teams of 5 students (we are looking for 30 students total)
- Game enthusiasts ready to launch their startup
- Committed individuals for a hackathon & potential 15-week incubator program (details coming soon)
Benefits to you:
- Design a game that you want to play
- Gain access to Unity learning resources
- Receive technical training by expert instructors from Unity
- Become a CEO of a company and your future
- Real-world learning experience
Agenda
| Day 1: Sep 11, 2024 | |
| 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM |
Session 2 - Developing Your Concept Session 3 - Market Research and Analysis Session 4 - Developing a Business Plan Session 5 - Creating a Compelling Pitch Session 6 - Emerging Technologies and Opportunities |
| 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Students break away to work on their Pitch Decks |
| Day 2: Sep 12, 2024 | |
| 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM | Day 1 Recap Day 2 Introduction Session 1 - Tools for Rapid Prototyping Session 2 - Create and Configure a Room Session 3 - Add UI and Refine Session 4 - Build to a Device |
| 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Pitch Presentation to judges for initial feedback |
*A detailed agenda will be shared closer to the GameJam with the participants.
For any Game Jam related inquiries contact:
Vinay Paramanand, MBA (He/His/Him)
Director, National Centre of Excellence in Immersive Technology
P: (289) 569-0421 | Ext. 3624 C & WA: +1-365-341-7907
Email: [email protected]
Trainers
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