Here's how you can expand your networking opportunities through game jams or hackathons.

As a game developer, you're always looking for ways to expand your network and learn from others in the field. Game jams and hackathons offer a unique platform to do just that. These events are not only about creating something new within a set time frame; they're also an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, collaborate on projects, and potentially find future partners or employers. By participating, you expose yourself to new ideas and perspectives, which is invaluable in an industry that thrives on creativity and innovation.

1 Join Online

Online game jams and hackathons are a goldmine for networking without geographical constraints. By registering for these events, you can connect with developers, designers, and programmers from around the globe. Use social media platforms and dedicated forums to introduce yourself and your skills before the event starts. Engage actively during the jam by sharing progress, asking for feedback, and offering your help to others. This proactive approach can lead to lasting professional relationships that transcend the virtual space.

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Huseyn Ismayilov

Game Developer | Entrepreneur | NYAS Member | TKS Member | Child Ambassador | Low-level Programming Enthusiast
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Join virtual game jams or hackathons on platforms like itch.io, Game Jolt, or Ludum Dare. Meet developers from around the world, collaborate with them, and expand your network. Engage in online forums, Discord servers, and social media groups dedicated to game jams and hackathons to find mentors and collaborators.

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2 Attend Locally

Local game jams and hackathons offer a more personal networking experience. Attending these events allows you to meet peers face-to-face, which can lead to more profound connections. Before the event, research who's going to be there and plan whom you'd like to meet. During the jam, be open to collaborating with new people and learn about their experiences in game development. After the event, follow up with your new contacts, invite them for a coffee or a follow-up meeting to discuss potential collaborations further.

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Huseyn Ismayilov

Game Developer | Entrepreneur | NYAS Member | TKS Member | Child Ambassador | Low-level Programming Enthusiast
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Joining local game jams or hackathons is a great way to meet and work with developers in your area. Attend events hosted by game development organizations, universities, or co-working spaces to expand your network, engage in team-building, brainstorming sessions, and project collaborations. You may also discover future opportunities for collaboration, employment, or project funding within your regional game development community.

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3 Volunteer Roles

Volunteering at game jams and hackathons is an excellent way to network while contributing to the success of the event. As a volunteer, you'll interact with participants, organizers, and possibly sponsors, giving you a unique perspective on the event. Choose a role that aligns with your skills or interests, whether it's helping with registration, troubleshooting technical issues, or providing mentorship. This involvement showcases your dedication to the community and can impress potential collaborators or employers.

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4 Share Projects

Sharing your projects during game jams and hackathons is crucial for networking. It demonstrates your skills and creativity to other participants and observers. Prepare a brief, engaging description of your project that highlights its unique aspects and the challenges you overcame. Be open to feedback and discussions about your work, as these can lead to insights and opportunities. Remember, the project you share could be the portfolio piece that catches the eye of your next team member or employer.

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Munna Aziz Rahaman

C++ Gameplay Programmer (Unreal Engine)
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If you're a beginner the chances are you'll have a lot of unfinished projects or have complete project but not polished, hence you might feel shy showcase them to others. It is understandable but trust me you'll definitely get some constructive criticism or even mentorship and you'll get to learn a lot. In game development a game is actually "never finished" hence the updates. 1. Showcase (doesn't matter WIP or unpolished) 2. Gather Feedback 3. Iterate

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5 Build Relationships

Building lasting relationships is the ultimate goal of networking at game jams and hackathons. Don't just collect business cards; engage in meaningful conversations about shared interests and future goals. Be genuine in your interactions and express interest in others' work. After the event, maintain contact through social media or regular meetups. These relationships can evolve into collaborations, job opportunities, or simply a supportive community that can help you grow as a developer.

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🌷 Timmy Kokke 🌷

👾 XR Game Dev 🌌 Senior Solutions Architect @Wonderland 🤖 AI enthusiast
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Many game jam organizers have set up Discord servers with dedicated channels specifically for these events. These channels are perfect for creating meaningful connections within the dev community. Engaging in these communities is great for building relationships that extend far beyond just networking. It's not only about collecting contacts but about diving into conversations about our shared passions. Being genuine and showing a real interest in others' projects and experiences helps to solidify these connections. The immediate feedback from like-minded peers during jams is incredibly beneficial for your personal growth.

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6 Keep Learning

Continuous learning is vital in game development, and networking at game jams and hackathons can contribute significantly to your knowledge base. Listen to others' experiences and take note of new tools, techniques, and workflows. Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek advice from more experienced developers. Each interaction is an opportunity to learn something that could improve your own development process or inspire your next project.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can expand your networking opportunities through game jams or hackathons.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Join Online

2 Attend Locally

3 Volunteer Roles

4 Share Projects

5 Build Relationships

6 Keep Learning

7 Here’s what else to consider

Game Development

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Here's how you can expand your networking opportunities through game jams or hackathons.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Join Online

2 Attend Locally

3 Volunteer Roles

4 Share Projects

5 Build Relationships

6 Keep Learning

7 Here’s what else to consider

Game Development

Rate this article

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