Analysts estimate that by 2023 the video game industry is well over $300 billion in value. A market in which global giants coexist with small independent realities that often, thanks to passion and creative insights, know how to give life to small milestones for fans around the world.

Realities supported by events such as the Global Game Jam, the world's leading video game creation event. Founded in 2008 and becoming a nonprofit organization as of 2012, the Global Game Jam aims to stimulate innovation, experimentation and collaboration in the world of video games.

In 2023, more than 800 events were organized scattered in 108 countries with 40,000 participants for more than 7,600 video games created. 

 

For several years, this event has also been held in Ticino. In 2024 the Global Game Jam is organized by Alessandro Bianchi, with his start-up NuvolaBit, and Masiar Babazadeh, professor-researcher at Institute of Information Systems and Networking (ISIN) of the Department of Innovative Technologies at SUPSI.

"The Global Game Jam," they explain, "is a 48-hour global event where passionate game creators come together with the goal of succeeding in making a video game. I do not know it is done with a spirit of competition, rather it is experienced as a time of sharing and experimentation."

This year's event is scheduled to take place at the Filanda in Mendrisio from 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26, to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28, with a theme chosen each year that will be revealed on the spot and will be developed over the following 48 hours

"From that moment, graphic designers, game designers, developers and musicians will divide into teams with the goal of making a video game," continue Alessandro Bianchi and Masiar Babazadeh. Normally a video game is the result of a process that takes months or years. Being able to create one in two days is magic and can be the beginning of a broader path leading to market distribution. Numerous video games started at Global Game Jam as prototypes and then were refined and commercialized. But beyond that, the beauty of the event is meeting other enthusiasts, sharing and exchanging impressions and knowledge."

Even in a relatively small place like Canton Ticino, there is no lack of interest in this event.
"In the past editions we had a very good response with about thirty enthusiasts at each edition that allowed us to create 5-6 different games. Interest in game creation continues to grow in Ticino as well, and these events are golden opportunities to have an exchange and build a network. We thought of organizing the event at the Filanda in Mendrisio so that we could also involve its visitors in playtesting sessions."

To participate in the 2024 edition of the Global Gam Jam, simply register at the following link: https://globalgamejam.org/jam-sites/2024/la-filanda-mendrisio