Chillennium, recognized as the largest student-led collegiate game jam globally, is set to return on February 7-9 at the Hildebrand Equine Center on the Texas A&M University campus.
Students from various states will strive to develop a fully operational and playable video game based on a single concept within just 48 hours.
The event is supported by the Texas A&M College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts, which encompasses Game Design and Development within the Visualization curriculum. In 2017, the event was awarded recognition from Guinness World Records for having the “most participants in a collegiate in-person game jam,” recording 311 entrants. Last year’s event attracted 265 students from 23 different institutions.
Registrants this year hail from local (University of North Texas, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Amarillo College, University of Houston Victoria) and distant locations (Michigan State University, Louisiana State University, University of Central Missouri, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design).
Advisers and industry professionals will be present — some providing guidance to the students and others judging the submissions — including representatives from Bluepoint Games, EA Sports, Epic Games, Digital Dreams Entertainment, Digital Insight Games, and Obsidian Entertainment.
Julius Perez, the Chillennium director and senior Visualization student, mentioned that the goal of Chillennium is to offer a platform for students to gain confidence as artists and programmers.
“I want all participants to evolve through this journey and comprehend the efforts required, and to astonish themselves with what they can accomplish in such a limited timeframe,” he stated.
A successful game should excel in all areas, according to Perez. This entails being straightforward to grasp, providing a seamless gaming experience, and steering clear of superfluous details or perplexing components.
“Plan ahead and solidify your concepts very early in the process,” he stated. “This will allow you time to refine the art, mechanics, and gameplay. It’s preferable for students to concentrate on crafting a remarkable game rather than a complicated one.”
Participants work in teams of four, utilizing their own computers and gear. Honors are presented for first, second, and third place, alongside accolades for best in game design, programming, sound, and visuals. Rewards include Steam gift cards, keyboards, monitors, Nintendo Switch systems, and a PlayStation 5.
Texas A&M students secured the first, second, and third place accolades in 2024 with the theme “Hang in There.” “Plugged In,” developed by Peter Schlenker, Casey Pei, Christin Park, and Dallas Coggins, won the top accolade.
Perez expressed his eagerness for a new batch of game developers, and to observe Visualization students exhibit their gaming skills.
“We also have numerous emerging talents in Viz,” he noted. “I am enthusiastic about witnessing their progress throughout the weekend.”
As participants work tirelessly to finalize their games, Perez advised them to prioritize self-care, particularly during long night sessions. Having plenty of snacks and comfortable pillows and blankets will be beneficial, he remarked.
Chillennium kicks off on Friday, February 7, at 6 p.m. with opening presentations and the prompt announcement. Winners will be revealed at the conclusion of the closing ceremony, which will take place on Sunday, February 9, at 7:30 p.m.
Registration amounts to $25 and closes on February 6. For additional details, visit the Chillennium website.
The article Students From Across The Country Will Head To Aggieland This Weekend For Chillennium Game Jam first appeared on Texas A&M Today.