The Fukushima Game Jam Hopes to Revitalize Tech Development in the Area
Omar Yusuf — August 29, 2011 — Tech
References: gamesindustry.biz & gamepolitics
After witnessing the wanton devastation caused by March's earthquake and subsequent tsunami, the International Games Developers Association (IGDA) has organized an event meant to reenergize the industry called "Fukushima Game Jam."
Although the natural catastrophe has since passed, it's important not to forget the aftereffects of devastation: Businesses still struggle to regain the momentum and market audience they held just weeks before the disaster. In an attempt to expedite the attempts by developers to resume development and research, the Fukushima Game Jam will challenge devs to produce a video game within 30 hours. The time between August 27 and 28 isn't all they have, however, because local students from the Tohoku area will be lending a hand.
The Fukushima Game Jam serves not only to challenge the creativity, engineering skill and effeciency of local games developers, but to acclimatize them to the industry as a whole -- an industry they've been absent from for over six months.
Although the natural catastrophe has since passed, it's important not to forget the aftereffects of devastation: Businesses still struggle to regain the momentum and market audience they held just weeks before the disaster. In an attempt to expedite the attempts by developers to resume development and research, the Fukushima Game Jam will challenge devs to produce a video game within 30 hours. The time between August 27 and 28 isn't all they have, however, because local students from the Tohoku area will be lending a hand.
The Fukushima Game Jam serves not only to challenge the creativity, engineering skill and effeciency of local games developers, but to acclimatize them to the industry as a whole -- an industry they've been absent from for over six months.
Trend Themes
1. Disaster Response Gaming - Creating video games for disaster response and relief efforts presents an opportunity to contribute to rebuilding efforts and provide alternative learning experiences for disaster preparedness.
2. Collaborative Game Development - Collaborating with local communities and students can help game developers foster creative and technical skills while also contributing to social causes or community development initiatives.
3. Accelerated Game Development - Challenges and time-limits can inspire developers to produce innovative solutions, thereby leading to more efficient and accelerated game development cycles.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming - Game developers can leverage their skills to contribute to social causes and disaster preparedness initiatives, thereby creating a more ethical and sustainable gaming industry.
2. Education - Developing educational video games can provide a more immersive and engaging learning experience that can be used in schools and other educational institutions.
3. Community Development - Working with local communities and stakeholders can help game developers design games that are culturally sensitive and reflect the needs of the communities they serve.
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