Richard Lochhead set to attend UHI as Moray Game Jam 2024 preparation continues
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THE stage is set for Moray Game Jam 2024, and excitement is soaring as UHI Moray prepares for the weekend long event.
The 48-hour intensive game development event is will go ahead from March 15 – 17, with participants expected by right across the UK. At the beginning of the event, teams will be tasked with creating a game based on a theme, given by the judges. The competitors will then have 48 hours to complete their game design before they are presented to the public.
Richard Lochhead, Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade will also be attending Moray Game Jam’s 2024 Gaming Playground and will be presenting one of the awards.
Taking place on Sunday, March 17 at the Beechtree Restaurant, UHI Moray, the Gaming Playground allows members of the public to try out the games created which have been developed over the weekend and vote for their favourite.
The Moray Game Jam event is not just about Gaming, as the Northern most game jam in Scotland, the event brings together gaming enthusiasts from across the country, industry leaders and educators for 48-hours of creativity as they create a video or board game.
With the knowledge gained through the weekend and the contacts made are related to roles across many sectors within Computing and Creative and Digital design. Teams also get the opportunity to meet industry experts from the local gaming companies including Hunted Cow Games and Code Wizards.
In addition, it increases awareness amongst these stakeholders of the local and national industries and the skills required to progress successfully into related education and/or employment.
On the day Mr Lochhead will meet with game developers, local game organisations and those attending the event before presenting one of the award categories.
Throughout the years Moray Game Jam has also contributed to building the local workforce with participants being offered employment opportunities upon completion of the competition and supporting the retention of young people in the area.
Richard Lochhead, Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade said: "The Moray Game Jam highlights the success of our games sector and all its social, cultural and economic benefits. This is a sector that has already made its mark globally and has huge potential for future growth.
“We have backed industry to create a National Action Plan for Games in Scotland that boosts and accelerates growth and job creation, as well as amplifying the global reputation of one of Scotland’s most promising and diverse sectors.”
A spokesperson for UHI Moray said: "UHI Moray are delighted to be hosting the 7th Moray Game Jam for 2024. With a number of exciting workshops and judges from the industry the weekend is shaping up to be one of best attended Game Jam yet.
"The 1st Moray Game Jam which is the most northerly in Scotland started 2014 and the event is now attracting teams from all over the country giving the individuals the chance to meet with industry and key players within the gaming world."
