PHOTO VIA OCLS
The Orlando Public Library will once again host its Orlando Game Jam and Orlando Gaming Expo (Website), returning from February 19 to 22, giving teams one weekend to build a brand-new video game and then show it off to the public at the downtown Orlando library.
The event will be held at the Dorothy Lumley Melrose Center for Technology, Innovation and Creativity inside the Orlando Public Library in downtown Orlando, and it is being marketed as a fast-paced, collaborative weekend where artists, programmers, writers, producers, and audio engineers work together around a secret theme.
The Game Jam begins with an information session on Thursday, February 19, from 4–10 p.m., when participants learn the theme, form teams, and plan their projects. Teams then build their games during extended hours on Friday, February 20, and Saturday, February 21, with all games due and expo booths set up by noon on Sunday, February 22.
The public portion of the weekend is the Orlando Gaming Expo, running 1–5 p.m. Sunday, February 22, when visitors can play the new games, leave feedback, and vote for their favorites. Organizers say local video game studios, educators, and developers will also be on site to meet attendees and highlight Orlando’s game development community.
Winners will be announced during closing ceremonies at 5 p.m. Sunday, with cash prizes sponsored by the Friends of the Orange County Library System: $700 for first place, $500 for second, and $300 for third. Registration and additional details are available HERE.
