TU, local developers gear up for Global Game Jam

TULSA — Years ago, the video gaming industry surpassed Hollywood in terms of revenue, and it continues to be a growth industry with many possible career paths.

For the second year, Tulsa will participate in an event called “Global Game Jam,” where teams in hundreds of cities around the world compete to create a game based on a theme, in 48 hours.

This year, the University of Tulsa is hosting the event.

TU, by the way, now offers a degree in Computer Simulation and Gaming.

The lead organizer of the event is Richard Mitchell, who also works to bring the XPO Game Festival to life and is a founder of the Tulsa Game Developers group.

[Hear the full interview with Mitchell HERE]

He points out that the Jam isn’t just for coders.

“I don’t know how to program,” he told KRMG, “and last year for the Game Jam I did music for one game, I did voice acting for another game. I have a theater background, so that’s something I can contribute.”

But again, many coders and engineers were drawn to the industry through gaming, and the Game Jam offers a unique opportunity to try one’s hand at it.

Mitchell says he often speaks with parents and teachers, and his message is “if you can get your child interested in coding and computer programming, do it. And do it early as you can. Not to just plug my own event here, but Global Game Jam gives you an opportunity to pursue those things in kind of a risk-free environment.”

Global Game Jam Tulsa is also partnering with the George Kaiser Family Foundation, XPO Game Festival, Tulsa Game Developers, as well as TU to put on the 2018 event.

The jam begins at 5:00 p.m. on January 26th at Tyrrell Hall on the TU Campus.

For more information, and to sign up, visit the Tulsa Global Game Jam webpage.