Game Jams have been quite popular over the years. The events bring together creative minds to create video games with specific themes in a set amount of time. Since COVID-19 has kept many developers at home, events, including GameJams, have taken place online.
Developers and cat fans have been invited to take part in a cat-themed Game Jam this October. The Game Jam is a collaboration between feline welfare charity Cats Protection and Payload Studios via its Tentacle Zone initiative, which is a game-focused co-working space and virtual incubator in London. Cats Protection is the UK’s leading cat charity. The group has helped around 200,000 cats throughout their 230 volunteer-run branches and 37 centers.
The overall theme of the event is to create a cat welfare-themed game. Currently, developers are developing one of five themes that will be announced on October 9.
Those who enter will receive free recourses and are invited to join the official Discord server for the project to connect with other participants. Discord is also where developers will give feedback and discuss ongoing progress. After the game is complete, the title will be shared with various streamers to help raise funds for the project in the “Play with Purrpose” fundraising event.
The streamers are part of Cats Protection’s online community, Pawsome Players. So far, the group has rased around £37,000 (or around $47,519) to help unwanted cats. The streamers participate through streaming marathons and scheduled live streams.
Russ Clarke, CEO of Payload Studios, stated:
We welcome working with a charity that is as impactful and dedicated as Cats Protection. We are happy to offer our support and provide feedback to help game developers aid a cause that might be close to them.
Those interested in joining the Game Jam should visit the Cats Protection UK and join the Tentacle Zone Discord or head to the “Purrposeful Charity Game Jam” page on itch.io and click “Join Jam.” The Game Jam begins on October 9 with the sharing of ideas and answering any lingering questions.
Daily check-ins will occur during October 12-16, with a final call for submissions on October 19. The shortlist of winners, judged by cat experts and fellow gamers, will be announced on October 27. The best games will be made available as free-to-play games on itch.io after the event concludes.
