The first-ever Global Game Jam promises a burst of collaborative energy will erupt Friday in New Zealand and travel all the way around the world to Vancouver.
At 5 p.m. in Dunedin, New Zealand, a group of videogame developers will start crafting an innovative game from scratch under a 48-hour deadline.
As the clock continues to strike 5 p.m. around the world about 1,800 participants in more than 50 cities will set out on the same task.
"You'll be put to the test having to make a game learning either a new software or working with other people in code," said event founder Susan Gold who doubles as manager and faculty for the Master's of Digital Media Program at Vancouver's Great Northern Way Campus.
Developers are free to choose their platform, meaning games could be created for the iPhone to the Xbox.
Industry insiders are sure to keep a close eye on new developments when the jam wraps up.
"For them, if a game sells they make sure it gets out every year but they don't have a lot of leeway for making games that are innovative and new," Gold said.
To play finished games log on to www.globalgamejam. org on Feb. 1.
