From January 30 to February 1, Novska will host the seventh edition of the Global Game Jam, the Croatian version of the world video game competition. The organizer of the event, Entrepreneurial Incubator PISMO powered by A1, invites all game developers, from beginners to professionals, to accept the challenge, test their skills and compete for valuable prizes provided by A1 Croatia, the gaming equipment brand White Shark, media company VIDI and Incubator PISMO.
As in previous years, the competition is divided into two categories - for adults and high school students. It is prepared rich prize fund which includes sums of money and gaming equipment. For adults, prizes are provided by PISMO incubator, A1 Hrvatska and VIDI media house. The winning team wins will be 1,750 euros, A1 gift package and six months subscription to VIDI content. Second place brings 700 euros, A1 gift package and six months subscription to VIDI content, while the third place is guaranteed 500 euros, A1 gift package and six months subscription to VIDI content.
"Over the years, Global Game Jam has built a position as a place where creativity, technology and responsibility meet in the digital world. That's why A1 Croatia sees this initiative as a natural continuation of our long-term investment in digital skills, innovation and security. By supporting young talents in the development of video games, we want to encourage them to think boldly, work as a team and create content that has a positive impact on the community in which it is created. Cooperation with the PISMO incubator allows us to be part of that process from the very beginning, while through projects like A1 Adria League and platform #BoljiOnline, we continuously contribute to the development of a safe and responsible digital space", said Valentina Leventić, senior marketing communications specialist at A1 Croatia.
For high school teams prizes have been prepared which include White Shark gaming products for each team member, with a six-month subscription to VIDI content. In addition, they are awarded special recognitions for the most creative teams in the categories of graphics, gameplay and game presentation, and the awarded teams will also win sweet packages.
"The Global Game Jam in Novska is an extremely important event for the development of the gaming community and young talents. Such initiatives provide an opportunity for creatives and developers to show their knowledge, ideas and innovation in a stimulating environment. White Shark, together with the SBOX and Baracuda brands, has been proudly supporting this project for many years. As a company that continuously develops new brands and products, we believe that investing in young people and the gaming industry is key to the long-term development of technology in Croatia. We are especially pleased to participate by rewarding the young participants of this event, because they are represent the future of the gaming industry. We wish all participants a lot of success, creativity and courage in exploring new ideas. Use this opportunity, learn, create and push the boundaries." added Stjepan Šmit, owner of the White Shark brand.
“Hvala organizatorima na ovom već legendarnom godišnjem okupljanju i izazovu za mlade nade game developmenta! Vaša strast se osjeća u svakom detalju organizacije, a Novska svake godine (p)ostaje srce gaming zajednice u Hrvatskoj. Ovo je masterclass u organizaciji! Ponosimo se vama!”, concluded Tomislav Kotnik, founder and editor-in-chief of the technological media company VIDI.
Although the number of registered participants exceeded 100, up to January 27 applications are still open through the Global Game Jam platform. Participants should select GGJ26 LETTER Novska, and for additional information and communication with the organizers they can use Discord server. The organizers provide three meals a day, extra beds and a chill zone so that all participants have the best experience.
