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Library invites public to create fantasy game in seven days

300 dpi 3 col x 5.3 in / 146x135 mm / 497x458 pixels David Steinlicht illustration of family rejoicing as their child unplugs the PC. St. Paul Pioneer Press 2003 (David Steinlicht/St. Paul Pioneer Press)
By Emily Connery emilyc@spokesman.com(509) 459-5434

The Spokane Public Library is hosting its first Summer Game Jam, an online event in honor of the end of summer, starting today and lasting seven days. Everyone in the Spokane community, regardless of age or skill level, is invited to participate by creating a game, be it paper or digital.

Those who wish to create a game can sign up at any time during the jam, but all will have the same due date of 5 p.m. Aug. 28. Each submission is to be made within 168 hours, or seven days, and should be free, accessible and appropriate to everyone.

Games can be developed by a team of any size or by an individual. Participants also are encouraged to further individualize their games by adding an icon and screenshots or photos of the game in action.

The theme corresponds with that of the library’s summer reading series: fantasy evoking imagery of elves, fairies, witches and wizards.

Summer Game Jam participants are encouraged to have fun and create something special. Submissions won’t be ranked but rather played by librarians via livestreaming. Participants can elect to forego having their game played live.

Colin Stuart, the library’s community tech coordinator and head of Summer Game Jam, said he has never regretted making a game regardless of how it turned out.

“The memories of working and completing games sticks with you for a long time and can help get your creative thoughts out into the world,” Stuart said. “At the end of the jam, when you are reflecting on the game you’ve made, you’re either going to love it or laugh at it, and both experiences will stay with you for years.”

To further assist participants in their game-making journey, the library has compiled a list of free-to-use resources, including game engines, libraries of sound effects, music and art, as well as methods of collaborating with team members online to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

For more information about Summer Game Jam and to view the library’s list of free game-developing resources, visit spokanelibrary.org/spokane-public-librarys-summer-game-jam.