Moray Game Jam at UHI in Elgin to attract gamers from across Scotland

What has become known as the ‘friendliest game jam’ in Scotland is taking place from March 7-9 at UHI Moray.

This is the eighth edition of Moray Game Jam, which brings together gaming enthusiasts from across the country and has grown in popularity since its inception in 2014.

The event challenges individuals and teams to create video and board games on a specific theme.

Games are then showcased at a public gaming playground, attracting large numbers of families and young people who vote on their favourite board and video game.

A number of the winning prototypes from previous events have been developed into commercial projects.

The jam has also provided ideal opportunities for young people, parents and students to gain invaluable practical insight into the computing and creative industries.

Workshops and talks are taking place on Saturday, March 8, and the ever-popular Gaming Playground takes place on Sunday afternoon from 2pm-4pm. Members of the public are invited to come along and try out the games developed over the 48 hours, meet the judges and the game developers.

New for 2025, the organisers have introduced additional activities for the gamers including social sessions and a quiz on the Saturday night.

Staff from UHI Moray and student volunteers will be on hand to ensure the comfort and safety of the game developers and supply food and hot drinks.

Judges with a wide range of educational and industry expertise will provide support and mentor gamers.

Judges include the BBC’s Laura Cress (gaming and technology journalist and streamer); Christopher Acornley (Computing lecturer, UHI Perth); Alastair Low (Indie game developer); Craig Barron (head of engineering, Code Wizards) and Corrie Green (Indie game developer).

Moray Game Jam thanked sponsors - including The Northern Scot publisher Highland News and Media - for their support. Other sponsors are The Little Lunchbox, Code Wizards, J Thomson Print, SISCA and Lifestyle Magazine.

David Patterson, Principal and Chief Executive, UHI Moray said: “We are very excited to see the Moray Game Jam returning in 2025 on the UHI Moray campus.

“The event provides an opportunity for prospective gamers to come together with industry experts fuelling the passion for games development.

“We open our doors to the public over the weekend as well, with the talks and the gaming playground, again a great opportunity for families and young people to get involved.

“We are grateful to our sponsors, supporters and the UHI Moray staff who contribute to making this event the success it is’

For more information and to get involved, visit www.moraygamejam.com