The University of Tartu Pro Game Jam 2025 took place from January 24th to 26th. It was a collaborative event for both gaming enthusiasts, students, beginner game and professional game developers. The event encompassed two parallel tracks: the Global Game Jam 2025 for junior participants and an advanced game development challenge for seasoned professionals.
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The Two Leagues
The game jam featured two leagues: pros and juniors. 3 junior teams jumped into the Global Game Jam, joining hundreds of participants worldwide. The theme for them was Bubble. Others took a different path, stepping into the pro league forming 14 teams, where the challenge was to make a game about Estonian mythology and folklore. Developers had to learn about ancient stories, design eerie forests, mythical creatures, and forgotten rituals. The room was full of energy to bring those legends to life.
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The Schedule
The event schedule was structured to facilitate intensive game development within a 48-hour timeframe, commencing with the opening ceremony on Friday, January 24th, which included team registration and the revelation of themes. Art historian Kärt Summatavet provided guidance during the opening ceremony, giving a small overview and inspiration about Estonian mythology and folklore. Subsequently, participants engaged in game development activities throughout Saturday, culminating in the submission deadline on Sunday and presentation of their games with an award ceremony, January 26th.
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The Winners of the Junior League
I PLACE – Capybara vs Bubbles 2
by Dmitri Matetski, Marlen Enok, Danni Kuusik, Aurelija Artsimovitsute, Nele Must, Jessica Brjuhhov
Kick back and relax in Capybara vs Bubbles 2, a cozy 2D pixel art adventure where you play as a laid-back capybara enjoying a sunny day. Wander through lush riverside, collecting juicy oranges to snack on.
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II PLACE – Bubble Breakdown
by Marten Liiskmaa, Rasmus Jürgenson, Samuel Saar, Hans Rune Lassen, Hardo Jürimaa
Step into the thrilling world of precision packaging in this lighthearted 3D simulation game. As a package wrapping specialist, your mission is to carefully wrap delicate items before they ship to customers. Be the greatest wrapper ever and try to keep your bubble popping urges at minimum.
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III PLACE – Dogurai
by Maikel Loitmets, Henri Peterkopf, Raili Uustalu, Oliver Alex Schults, Edward Kaseorg
In this action-packed 3D adventure, you play as a heroic medieval dog tasked with saving the city from a mysterious bubble invasion! Armed with sharp teeth and quick reflexes, you must bite and burst incoming bubbles before they wreak havoc.
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The Winners of the Pro League
I PLACE – Werewich
by Veronika Kukk, Oskar Unn, Semilla Tuberg, Jan Markus Salum, Alo Ailt
A wicked witch has cursed you, transforming you into a fearsome werewolf! The only way to break the spell is to eat some rye bread. In this thrilling 2D adventure, the player must hunt sheep under the cover of darkness before time runs out. But one has to be beware — the village dogs are on high alert, and one wrong move could become the last.
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II PLACE – Birch Sisters
by Lea Novikov, Mihkel Mäemees, Marin Mäemees, Artjom Geimanen
Step into the world of ancient mythology in this 2D adventure game, where the player must embark on a journey to rescue their sister, Luisa, from the clutches of Vanapagan. To succeed, they’ll need to explore mystical lands, gather enchanted artifacts, and craft a Kratt. One must seek out legendary allies, uncover forgotten myths, and use their wit to navigate this world of gods, spirits, and tricksters.
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III PLACE – Vägilase Kapsaaed
by Kaur Huko Käämbre, Angela Jelisejev, Urmas Reisberg, Joseph Mattias Tomp, Richard Miikael Jaks
In this game the player must prepare for a hilarious 2D battle where Estonian mythical legends go head-to-head in an explosive island-smashing duel. The player has a goal to hurl massive boulders at their opponent’s island and land three direct hits before enemies can. One must be careful because their rivals won’t go down without a fight.
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The University of Tartu Pro Game Jam 2025 was a huge success, pushing every participant to their creative and technical limits. Whether crafting a game for the Global Game Jam or diving deep into Estonian mythology, developers proved that incredible things can be built in just two days.
From first-time jammers to seasoned pros, everyone faced challenges: tight deadlines, last-minute bugs, and sleepless nights. But in the end, the results were great. Stories were told, worlds were built, and new skills were forged under pressure.
This jam put talent, teamwork, and sheer determination to the test, and all teams delivered. Thanks for making it an unforgettable experience! See you at the next one!
