CRITICAL HIT Presents : the Dawson PRE-JAM
Missed the Pre-Jam March 1st and 2nd? Don’t panic! We are hosing another one at Dawson March 14th – 16th!!
We created the Pre-Jams to help you to get (more) jamming experience under your belt. Come and work with a new team this time around, try your hand at that really crazy idea you had, using the theme “Cataclysm”, while adding another game to your portfolio.
N.B. participation in this game jam does not secure individuals into the 2014 incubator program. The aim is both to introduce applicants without any or much jamming experience to the popular, fast-paced game-making format, and to allow experienced jammers to show us what they can do! This jam also gives people a chance to add a game to their repertoire, strengthening applications for the incubator.
The Critical Hit Dawson Pre-Jam will take place March 14th to 16th at Dawson College on Sherbrooke, in a beautiful, large space on the 5th floor (see below for directions).
How to Sign Up
AFTER READING THE FAQ’s:
Sign up here with your FULL NAME and email address until midnight on Thursday, March 13th:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dawson-game-jam-tickets-10610802195
What?
The theme is CATACLYSM. Make a game that incorporates this theme in an inventive way.
When?
March 14th to 16th 2nd
Begins at 18h00 Friday, ends at 15h00 Sunday
Quick presentations and playtest will follow!
Where?
Dawson College
3040 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest.
5th floor, Room 5B.16
Directions
IMPORTANT
PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN COMPUTER / EQUIPMENT!
Featuring
Food and refreshments, coffee and tea
Power and internet access
Chairs and desks (more important than you would think)
Mentors from the gaming industry for informed feedback!
Tentative schedule:
Friday March 14th
18h: Check-in and socializing
18h30: Announcement and keynote
19h-21h: Ice-breakers, group formation, work
(Note: the jam space closes at 21h–this is not an overnight jam!)
Saturday March 15th
9h-21h: Work day!
(Note: the jam space closes at 21h–this is not an overnight jam!)
Sunday March 16th
9h: Work!
13h: Update, commit, last-minute debugging.
15h: Deadline. Present the best version of your game.
15h-16h30: Play time!!!
About CH14
Critical Hit 2014: Jam Factory is the next incarnation of the Critical Hit Games Collaboratory. Critical Hit is a special kind of games incubator that develops experimental, avant-garde, unique, and otherwise innovative games that would not be made in a commercial setting. It welcomes all aspiring makers, including students, indie developers, new media artists, and anyone else who wants to push the limits of game design. Each year, Critical Hit focuses on a different aspect of game design, exploring new and exciting development methodologies. This year Critical Hit is focusing on high iteration and turnaround through game jams.
For more information, how to apply and FAQs, please visit www.criticalhitmontreal.ca
Official application website: http://www.criticalhitmontreal.ca/apply/
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. I’m applying for Critical Hit but I can’t make it to the jam! Does that mean I won’t get in?
A. Not at all! The Pre-Jams were created to help people get more jamming experience, add a game to their portfolio and see what they are capable of!
Q. I’m not applying to Critical Hit. Can I still jam?
A. Absolutely! Join us for a weekend you’ll not soon forget!
Q. I love the game jam atmosphere but I want to work on something else that weekend. Can I still jam?
A. NO. As with all jams, if you’re jamming with us, you’re jamming all the way. Take a chance! Use the theme, get into the groove and make something awesome!
Q. Since the theme is out, can I start now?
A. NO. All content must be created during the jam! However, you may use elements from a pre-existing library and music you have the rights to use.
Q. Can I work through the night in the jam space?
A. *This is not an overnight jam*
Closing time is 21h00; we open on Saturday and Sunday at 9h00. But don’t be disappointed! Use this to your advantage. Get some rest and come back refreshed; you will be much more productive on days two and three!
Q. Do I need to bring my own food?
A. We will provide light meals throughout the jam! If they’re not to your liking or aren’t quite enough to satiate the game-making beast living inside that cool exterior, there are many inexpensive options in the area for you to choose from!
Q. When is Critical Hit?
A. The incubator runs from June 9th through August 15th, 2014.
Q. When are the deadlines for applying for CH14?
A. Applications are due April 1st. Top candidates will be invited for an interview between April 1 and April 15.
Q. I have a question that is apparently not frequently asked. How do I get more info?
A. Send an email to games.collaboratory@gmail.com with the word “CH Question” in the subject and we will get back to you as soon as we can.