My Global Game Jam Experience: Notes, Recommendations, and What I Gained

I recently participated in the Global Game Jam in January 2025, an event that brings together game developers, designers, and creatives from all over the world. The event took place in Divizyon, Konya, Turkey, and it was nothing short of an incredible experience.

With many teams and dozens of passionate individuals, the event was less of a race and more of a communication competition.

The Jam Concept

The goal was to centralize around a specific idea – in this case, the theme of Bubbles – and implement it in our own unique way.

What is the Jam Really About

The jam was organized in a way that encouraged collaboration and innovation. There were multiple introductions, networking opportunities, and a chance for participants to connect based on the technologies they used. While most teams focused on engines like Unreal Engine, Unity, and Godot, I decided to take a different approach and use JavaScript and WebXR for my project.

This decision set me apart, as there were very few web developers present at the event.

One of the highlights of the event was the mentorship. Professional game developers and designers were always there, asking questions, offering ideas, and even testing my game on their Meta Quest VR headset.

I appreciated their insights and recommendations, which helped me push my project forward. Many of them were also curious about my background in medicine, particularly my background on ADHD and mental health which i choose to centralize my work around.

This led to some fascinating discussions, and it was great to see how my work in both medicine and gaming could intersect.

Future Developers

I was also impressed by the younger participants. A 19-year-old who created his own team to develop a card game with a new concept and a couple of 15-year-olds who dove into creating their own Unity game experience showed that age isn’t a limitation when it comes to creativity and determination.

The most memorable moment was working with a 17-year-old who initially helped me with game testing, but later joined my team, bringing fresh ideas, quality testing, and a new perspective on the project.

Sadly, It was Short

Although the Global Game Jam was short, it was an experience every game developer should have. It wasn't about competition or racing against others; it was about connecting, testing, and enriching ideas.

It was a space where developers could push themselves, learn new things, and work with others who shared the same passion.

Personal Notes and Recommendations:

1- Time Constraints:

The event was intense, and the limited time often led to frustration. Many teams, including mine, faced challenges with implementing new tech and using game engines they were unfamiliar with.

For those looking to take part in future jams, I would recommend having a solid idea or plan in place before the event to manage time effectively.

2- Miscommunication:

Like any creative event, miscommunication between teams can happen. However, this is part of the learning process. The key is to stay flexible and adjust as needed.

3- Support from Peers:

The support from other game developers and designers was invaluable. Their encouragement and feedback pushed me to finish my VR experience and get it ready for public release. I’m deeply grateful for their guidance, which ultimately helped me bring my project to life.

This experience reminded me why I always try to bring meaning into everything I do, whether it’s coding, gaming, or creating something innovative. In fact, I wrote about how I am integrating VR experiences to help those with ADHD in my previous post, which you can read here: Creating a VR Experience for ADHD.

Final Note

Overall, participating in the Global Game Jam was an enriching experience that helped me grow as a developer and a creator. I walked away with new skills, new connections, and new perspectives, all of which will continue to influence my work moving forward. If you're a developer or designer, I highly recommend taking part in a future jam – even if it’s outside your comfort zone, it will push you to create, learn, and connect in ways you never expected.