The University of Malta will for the first time host the Malta Global Game Jam at the Institute of Digital Games from Friday to next Sunday.

The event is part of the annual Global Game Jam being being held simultaneously worldwide that is expected to brings together 17,000 creative individuals to develop games in just 48 hours. Teams are formed on the spot and analog and digital games are developed based on a common theme announced globally at the beginning of the jam.

The local event will kick off with a keynote speech on Thursday at the University’s Valletta campus by US-based game developer Patricia Pizer, who will also be taking part. The talk is open to the public.

On Friday afternoon participants will meet at the Institute of Digital Games on the University’s Msida campus, where they will form teams.

The jam is a kind of game design picnic focused on fun, creativity and networking, but there is a serious side as well. Teams will compete to create the best game of the jam as judged by Maltese educators, local game industry professionals and a popular vote. Completed games will be distributed to players worldwide via the Global Game Jam network.

Jammers will also be treated to a series of talks by Maltese game industry professionals, including Neville Attard of Software Prodigy, Stephen Caruana of Pixie Software, Alan Duca of 5¼ Games, Ryan Sammut of Barbagann Games and Gordon Calleja, of Mighty Box Games and director of the institute.

The registration fee is €30 and places are limited. For details, visit www.maltagamejam.com, call Ashley Davis on 2340 3510 or e-mail ashley.davis@um.edu.mt.