Coached Jams Playbook

This Playbook for Game Jams is targeted to prospective or future organizers of the type of game jam
we have piloted as part of a strategic solution for “resilient peer2peer environments” in the game
industry.1 Game jams have been a popular format since 2002 as a means of informal skill building and
testing innovative paths through game design in combination with socializing and to a large extent to
just having fun. Following the distress caused by contact and travel restrictions during the pandemic
and the loss of a community and network, mass events such as international conferences and
community engagement such as regional game weeks or meetups need to undergo a thorough re
assessment regarding their value for the time spent in groups, not to mention the rising costs of
travelling.
Our strategic solution was to dissect what can and what cannot be replaced by remote methods of
communication, and to ensure the highest quality, intensity and impact of physical events.
What can be done online, streamed or hybrid:
• Keynotes, workshops, panel discussions, presentations, lectures
• Pitching, presenting your game2
What cannot be replaced:
• Socializing, bonding
• Networking
• Fun
• Peer2peer exchange and learning
Nobody would admit that they are going to conferences mainly because of the latter four points but
asking in particular young talents what they missed most during the pandemic, shows the importance
of community and peer2peer exchange for their work.
Game jams have always combined the fun and hobnobbing with exploring new skills and ideas – and,
most importantly, in a “safe and non-threatening” environment, as opposed to hackathon with a
stronger competitive edge to it. Using, therefore game jams, as a format that salvages what really
imports in these mass or regional community events, seems logical. We have explored how we can use
this format, highly popular with game designers, to increase the impact and value for time.

Programme Manual Online

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