The inaugural Geekend Game Jam, organized by Doha Film Institute, Media City Qatar, and SCALE7, provides an exciting opportunity for video game developers and enthusiasts to showcase their skills and creativity in Qatar. Held over four days from November 20 to 23, the event coincides with popular Geekend activities at Ajyal 2024, bringing together the community for the country’s premier pop-culture event. The Game Jam aims to foster the skills of local gaming talent and support the rapidly growing gaming economy, projected to reach $363bn by 2027 globally.
Taking place at the Geekdom Building on Lusail Boulevard, the Game Jam challenges participants to create original video games from scratch within a limited timeframe. The special theme for the inaugural edition will be revealed on the first day, sparking creativity and innovation among participants. Both individual developers and teams of up to three members are welcome to participate, offering flexibility and freedom to explore new ideas and techniques. Evaluating factors such as creativity, technical execution, and adherence to the theme, an expert jury will select the winning games.
In addition to the thrill of participating in the game creation challenge, up to five teams will have the opportunity to apply for the SCALE7 Business Incubation Program. This 12-week program provides mentorship, workshops, and curated programs to support the development of game start-ups. Prizes include a Game Launcher package with a cash prize of QR25,000 from Scale7, and a Game Start-up Package with a cash award of QR15,000 from Geekdom and support in establishing a professional company from Media City Qatar.
Abdulla Al Mosallam, Chief Administrative Officer of DFI and Founder of Geekdom, emphasized the significance of the Game Jam in providing a platform for game developers to innovate, collaborate, and showcase their talents. Thair Al Anani, Director of Business Development at Media City Qatar, highlighted Qatar’s strong digital media landscape and growing gaming industry. With the support of the country’s digital-savvy youth and the global popularity of gaming, Qatar is investing in promoting talent to foster a robust games industry.
Overall, the Geekend Game Jam offers a valuable opportunity for video game developers and enthusiasts in Qatar to push their creative boundaries, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and develop their skills. The event not only supports local gaming talent but also contributes to the growth of the gaming economy in Qatar. With exciting prizes, mentorship opportunities, and a platform to showcase their work, participants can immerse themselves in a supportive and inspiring environment to create innovative and compelling video games.
