This month we celebrated a highlight in the FuturLab calendar with our annual Game Jam! This event gives all of our team the chance to get creative, learn new skills and work with people outside their usual teams as they take on the challenge to create a game from scratch in just 48 hours.
Both in the office and remote, our Game Jammers either decide to team up or create a solo project based around the game jam theme. This year’s theme was ‘Capture’, and our teams did an incredible job coming up with a variety of unique game ideas. From escaping the clutches of a claw machine to struggling with being captured in your own body and struggling with chronic illness, the teams’ creativity completely blew us all away!
All our remote Game Jammers received a care package in the post complete with a Game Jam t-shirt, pin badge and some snacks to help fuel their mind, body and soul. Meanwhile, our Brighton locals who decided to work from the office received these goodies, and our usual meeting room was converted to a chill-out zone. Complete with relaxing music, scent diffuser, mindful activities and comfy sofas, it was the perfect space to have a break away from the Jam and have a break from their projects.
The game jam was so much fun, I enjoyed every moment working with my team and am so proud of the amazing game we created together! It was an extremely valuable opportunity to practice and learn other skills outside of my usual role and be more directly involved in the development progress. This has really inspired and motivated me to keep improving those skills further!
Hannah Fisher - QA Tester
The Game Jam is a highlight for the whole company, because even those who don’t take part get to enjoy a Friday filled with playing the games that have been created! Everyone then was given the opportunity to vote for their favourites in a variety of categories from fun-factor, originality, art and more!
This year our winning team for best overall game was Styx and Stones by team JARD! Their game centered around ferrying souls across the water of the Styx, avoiding being captured by whirlpools and vengeful spirits. Josh, one of the team members said: "I love the yearly Game Jam and think it's so cool that we do this in-house, it is super inspiring to be reminded how talented my colleagues are! Can't wait for the next Jam!"
We shared lots of Game Jam updates on our Instagram and Bluesky FuturLab accounts during the event, so be sure to take a look to enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the event! Also, watch this space for a wrap up video showcasing a peak at all the incredible games that our teams created!
Our Game Jam is a great reminder that we’re extremely lucky to have so much talent, skill and creativity within FuturLab. Huge thank you and well done to all of our teams and solo Game Jammers who took part this year.
I absolutely adored all of the games! I love the different interpretations of the theme and how creative everyone was with it! Also, the sheer quality of games that came out of it?! I truly believe it's absolutely essential for a game development studio to run internal Game Jams. They encourage developers to try out other areas of development and work intimately with other disciplines in ways they wouldn't usually be able to! Super great for team building!
James Butlin - Lead Programmer