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Triangle Game Jam

Bringing together students and game enthusiasts for the ultimate gaming event!

This event brings undergraduate and graduate students and enthusiasts from across the Triangle together to design and develop games in a supportive and inspiring environment. Whether you’re an artist, coder, designer or just love games, there’s a place for you here!

Workshops led by experts in the field. Team-building activities to meet amazing collaborators. Dedicated time to create and innovate. A public showcase where your game can shine.

Space is limited—secure your spot now! Let’s make games, forge connections and celebrate the Triangle’s thriving game development community. Priority deadline to apply is February 14!

Event Overview:

Join us for the Triangle Game Jam 2025, an exciting collaboration between Duke University, UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State University! Open to students across the Triangle, this multi-day event brings together aspiring game developers, artists, musicians and storytellers to create innovative games in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Key Details:

  • Kickoff: February 22, 2025, at Duke University (12pm – 8pm)
  • Workday 1: February 23, 2025, at UNC-Chapel Hill (12pm – 6pm)
  • Workday 2: March 1, 2025, at NC State University (10am – 7pm) (Optional Flex workday)
  • Showcase & Awards: March 2, 2025, at NC State University (10am – 6pm)

Whether you’re a seasoned game creator or a curious beginner, the Triangle Game Jam is the perfect opportunity to connect with peers, learn new skills and bring your creative ideas to life. Industry experts will be on hand to lead workshops and mentor teams, ensuring an inspiring and educational experience for all.

Why Participate?

  • Collaborate with students from top universities in the Triangle
  • Learn from experienced professionals in the gaming industry
  • Showcase your game to a panel of judges and compete for awards
  • Build your portfolio and gain real-world game development experience
  • Open to any students in higher education in the Triangle

Don’t miss out! Sign up today to reserve your spot and get ready to unleash your creativity.

Schedule at a Glance:

Opening Remarks and Keynote (12:00 PM)

Keynote address: Optimism of the Games Industry: Necessity of Having Games by Shannon Loftis

Introduce event organizers, schedule, and expectations.

Announce the theme and any rules or guidelines.

Give teams time to get to know each other and discuss initial ideas.

Lunch Break (1:00 PM)

Catered lunch or meal vouchers provided.

Development and Mentorship Check-ins (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM)

Teams continue working with scheduled mentor check-ins.

Wrap-up for Day 1 (8:00 PM)

Teams share their progress in brief updates.

Development Continues (12:00 PM)

Teams continue working, iterating based on initial feedback.

Lunch Break (1:00 PM):

Lunch provided on-site.

Playtesting and Feedback Sessions (2:00 PM)

Teams present progress for peer and mentor feedback.

Playtest feedback focused on refining gameplay mechanics and design.

Workshop (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM)

The future of XR by Rick Marks

Workshop (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

Building a portfolio and your brand/identity as a game developer. This will be part workshop, part personalized portfolio review.

Wrap-Up for Day 2 (6:00 PM)

Teams prepare for final touches and polish before the showcase day.

Check-in (10:30 AM – 11:00 AM) (Albright Garage)

Meet at the Albright Garage. check-in, grab a coffee, and meet fellow participants.

Open Work Time (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)

Student teams can work in the Albright Garage at Hunt Library.

Lunch at Albright Garage (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)

Enjoy a catered meal and brainstorm ideas with your team.

Workshop (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM)

Monetization in the Gaming Industry (In the Albright Garage)

Open Work Time (1:00 PM – 7:00 PM)

Work on your games with your team. Participants are encouraged to stay at designated spaces for collaboration and support.

Last Development Push (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Teams complete final adjustments, polish, and bug fixes.

Showcase Begins (2:00 PM)

Open to students, faculty, sponsors, and the public.

Attendees test games, provide feedback, and vote for “Audience Favorite.”

Have questions?

Do you have questions regarding Triangle Game Jam?
Feel free to contact us.