Insert Game Here 2021

The UNO Criss Library Creative Production Lab and RHO Interactive are back with the 5th annual "Insert Game: Here" game jam. Global Game Jam 2021 kicked off with a record number of games created in January, and Ostaraa showed us what kind of games could grow online in April. We're hoping the hot hot heat of the July sun cooks up some great ideas. As always, we are 100% FREE, and this year we are 100% ONLINE.

NEW FOR 2021: Every board game that completes a print-and-play version will have their creation printed in the CPL and added to the Criss Library Board Game Collection for patron checkout. Any video game made to the specifications of our arcade machine will get added to public play rotation.

IGHH is entirely online and active for 10 days, giving everyone plenty of time to test the waters of design. With the move to an entirely online format, digital contact and the ability to upload your games for sharing are extra important. We've pushed the whole event to itch.io to allow developers from around the world to work remotely alongside local devs and students.

New to game dev or jams? During our jam events we announce a conceptual theme at the beginning of the event, and all participants have the same amount of time to make a brand new game based on that theme by the deadline. Developers are free to make any kind of game or experience they want, and have made everything from board and card games, text adventures, playground games, 2D and 3D video games, all the way up to unique virtual reality experiences.

While GGJJ focuses on ramping up digital development skills, and Ostaraa focuses on lighter faire and game-like experiences, IGHH tends to bring out the experienced devs and digital weekend-warriors intent on testing their limits during the summer. We're here to support everyone with any new skills they need to make sure ALL games that are made can go digital!

We welcome first time game developers. Designers, artists, musicians, programmers, voice actors, hobbyists, educators, anyone and everyone is welcome to try their hand at making a game. Participants should have anything needed to make your own video or physical game. If video games aren't your thing or access to hardware is an issue, you're encouraged to test the waters by making a board game! To help everyone have remote access to creative software, CPLL staff have compiled a list of open-source options HERE.

SCHEDULE AND SIGNUP

The secret theme is announced Saturday, July 10 on Discord, itch.io, and YouTube. This time around we'll keep a video-room open during theme-release day for all participants to talk, brainstorm, and build out a team for the event if you don't have one already.

Everyone is given a full week of work time. On Sunday, July 18, everyone has the opportunity to present their work live via Zoom. All games are posted online for the world to play after submission. This is the perfect format for new developers to get into the game jam format, or folks that just want a bit more time to polish their work.

Signups are live on our itch.io page!

Everyone is encouraged to interact with the community of devs and participants. Interested in forming a new team, asking questions, or getting tips ahead of the jam? Join our Discord server!

Anyone can participate, as long as they are over the age of 18. More information about rules, guidance, and our inclusivity policy can be found at insertgamehere.org

All participants must register online via itch.io, linked here.

Join the Discord server: https://discord.gg/4zP9Jz75Vs

For specific requests, email Charles Fisher.