University of Tartu Institute of Computer Science and CGVR laboratory recently hosted an event that brought together game developers of all skill levels, though, mostly focusing on beginners. This event saw a record-breaking 83 participants forming 16 teams — making it our biggest game jam yet!

A Challenge for (Beginner) Game Developers

The University of Tartu Game Jam 2024 was an intense event where participants had less than 48 hours to create a computer game with their teams. It connected participants to a global game development community by also letting them to participate in Ludum Dare 56 game jam. Both in-person attendees at the Delta Building and online participants via Discord joined forces, making the event accessible to a broad group of creators.

The Road to Success

The event opened on Friday (04.10) evening with participants buzzing with excitement as they met potential teammates and registered their teams. By midnight, the teams were locked in, ready for the challenge ahead.

Just after midnight (05.10), the theme was announced, sparking a flurry of brainstorming and planning sessions as teams worked to align their ideas with the chosen topic. The whole day was dedicated to game development, with the Computer Graphics and Virtual Reality Lab opening its doors for participants to try out VR experiences and different games for inspiration and relaxing.

Sunday (06.10) marked the final hours of the jam. By 16:00, all games were submitted, and the judging began. Participants themselves had the chance to play each other’s games and vote for them. Special commentary from guest speaker and tutor Marek Pihel added insightful feedback on each team’s work. After that all teams had the chance to present their games and answer the questions about the development and main ideas behind their games. The event concluded with a lively awards ceremony where the best games were celebrated for their innovation, gameplay, storytelling, and creative use of the theme.

From Collaboration to Creation

Creating a game in less than 48 hours took a blend of skills, learning, and constant collaboration from each team. Artists, game designers, programmers, and sound makers worked together, combining their talents and learning on the go to bring their ideas to life. Throughout the event, our dedicated tutors provided guidance and regular check-ins, offering insights and support that helped transform participants’ visions into successful, playable games. This dynamic fusion of teamwork and mentorship made the event an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

The Best Games

I PLACE – Critter Journal

by Artjom Geimanen, Marin Mäemees, Mihkel Mäemees

The winning game of Game Jam 2024 was a captivating 2D hidden object adventure where players must uncover every creature described in an explorer’s journal. Set in a richly illustrated world filled with intricate details, players navigate through the world searching for elusive and magical creatures. This clever blend of art and puzzle-solving made it a standout at the jam.

II PLACE – Shrimple

by Veronika Kukk, Oskar Unn, Semilla Tuberg, Jan Markus Salum, Laas Hendrik Lumberg, Artur Tamm

The second-place winner at Game Jam 2024 was a game about a shrimp — a quirky and entertaining 2D escape adventure. Players take on the role of a shrimp trying to dodge the chef’s hands and make a daring escape from the kitchen. Using simple controls players must navigate obstacles and stay out of the chef’s grasp. To survive, the shrimp must stay moist by touching water and can pick up sauces for special power-ups along the way. The game’s unique concept, playful mechanics, and lighthearted humor made it a memorable hit at the jam.

III PLACE – Summer Survival

by Sissely Pärn, Karoliina Kuus, Andres Kalle, Ivo Voika, Helen Nurm, Kristopher Frederic Meensalu

The third-place winner was an inventive and visually vibrant 2D match-3 game where players take on an unexpected but relatable challenge: reclaiming a sunny spot at the beach from a relentless swarm of mosquitoes. This game puts players in the thick of a mosquito invasion. The goal? Kill every last one of them to enjoy a peaceful beach day! With its quirky concept, engaging mechanics, and bright, comic-book-inspired visuals, “Mosquito Mayhem” brought a unique and humorous twist to the classic match-3 genre, making it a well-deserved fan favorite at the jam.

See You Next Time

University of Tartu Game Jam 2024 was more than just a game development event; it was a celebration of creativity, community, and passion for gaming. For many participants, this was their first chance to experience the collaborative, fast-paced nature of game development, and they walked away with new skills, friendships, and memories.

To everyone who joined us in Tartu or online, thank you for making this event unforgettable. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create next!

Join Us Next Time!

Missed out on University of Tartu Game Jam 2024? Don’t worry! Keep an eye out for future events and opportunities to unleash your creativity and passion for game development. Until then, keep dreaming, keep creating, and keep gaming! 🎮🚀