Our traditional gimmick 0-hour game jam was held last weekend during the daylight saving transition hour. Making a game in zero hours sounds impossible at first, but caffeine-fueled jammers have once again proved that it is indeed possible, especially with very relaxed rules (1 hour of actual development plus extra time for uploading and making an optional video). Altogether, 8 games have been uploaded to the jam’s itch page (some of these heroes worked solo!): Play Zero Hour Jam games
Game jams are amazing for boosting confidence in working on a tight schedule, and the Zero Hour Jam is the ultimate test, with high reward and zero risk. Join our Zero Hour Game Jam next year, or keep an eye on future posts—we are planning more jams SOON!
Finland is well-known for it’s game industry scene, encompassing both indie and AAA-developeres, multiple universities teaching gamedev and game design, and of course, non-commercial organisations, such as Finnish Game Jam ry, IGDA Finland ry, W Love Games ry, and others. All organisations have goals and purposes of their own, however they all are working towards information sharing, networking, and collaboration. Helsinki Games Week 2024 has been a great collective effort to acheive this.
IGDA Leadership Day, Pocket Gamer Connects, and We Love Games Conference had something to cater to all tastes and interests. Multitude of game demos to have fun with and help developers with feedback, endless opportunities for networking with industry professionals, mentorship cafes, chat corners, panel discussions, speeches, and workshops. All these events have been packed into an unforgettable week-long event.
Special thanks to Casimir Kuusela for the IGDA Leadership Day and W Love Games Conference photographs, and Solip Park for the Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki photographs.
Pocket Jam is still on pause this year meaning no making games together at PGConnects, BUT we offer an exciting opportunity to get a discounted ticket to Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki conference!
#PGConnects returns to Helsinki on October 1-2! ⭐️ 1,500+ attendees ⭐️ 200+ speakers ⭐️ Networking opportunities ⭐️ Content on mobile, PC, console, AI and more
To celebrate this milestone, in collaboration with Department of Computing at Turun yliopisto – University of Turku and IGDA Future program of IGDA Finland, we are organizing a one-day IT conference “ENTANGLE: Bridging Quantum and Classical Computing” in Turku with line of esteemed guest speakers. Students can get a study credit for participating at the conference and the game jam.
Just a few days ago, 9 people pioneered a new form of a game jam, happening in the beautiful landscape in Koli. ProtoKoli combines the magic of Finnish nature with game making, all organized around the sense of community. Although originally envisioned as an event for game industry professionals and game dev educators, in the spirit of game jamming ProtoKoli is open for everyone.
The first edition of the jam took place between 16th and 21st of August, combined with the GMTK game jam which was going on at the same time. This gave an added spice to the event, with the jam theme becoming “Built to scale”, in addition to Koli’s nature inspired ideation. Overall, one game has been published, however, ProtoKoli brought a lot more.
So why was all this so special? Let’s break it down. We had:
1 cottage with sauna, mixed with
1 pure water lake with warm water, hosting
1 game jam lasting for 4 days and 6 nights, in
Awesome amounts of warm atmosphere, for
9 people (which of 7 at the same time), releasing
1 game, additionally making
5+ prototypes, and also
148 pixel art sprites, with
62,312 lovingly handcrafted pixels, that required
Kilos of delicious food to feed hungry jammers, including
46 eggs in 4 days and 6 nights of cooking, with surprisingly only
2 packets of coffee consumed, because we also achieved
7 km hiked up a hill (vaara), though we did have
1 morning runner, with
3 late night devs, and
at least 3 not-so-morning-people, ending in
11 AM as the average breakfast time.
Although the jam theme “Built to Scale” felt uninspiring for some, the sauna did its healing work, as the overall spirit of We’re here to have fun! loosened up the atmosphere and got the creative juices flowing. When one participant decided to make a retro Zelda-like game with a mysterious forest as the main environment, the sauna brought a team together – reunited after 10 years, two jammers hijacked the sauna chatted endlessly, setting the base for their collaboration on what ended up becoming a published game.
(To play Legends of The Goblin Shore 2, click or tap here.)
However, if by reading all this you thought that four days is a really long time, you are sort of correct. But then, do you know how awesome Koli is?
To follow and combine the two themes of the event, on Saturday we scaled (= climbed)the vaara of Käränkä, during a hill-climbing forest walk. We testify – the berries are tastier high up in the mountains!
On Sunday, we went on to climb the most iconic mountain of Koli, right at the national landscapes. Some of our attendants had to leave early, so climbing Ukko-Koli was in a way ending the first part of the game jam.
We also got to enjoy some amazingly tasty food (that we made all by ourselves – special love goes out to our food preppers <3)!
…And we also visited the Veistospuisto in Koli, which even had unicorns! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ
We can speak about this forever, but truly, this is one of those experiences that you just need to live it to feel it.
Sounds like your kind of jam? Keep an eye out for the next edition coming your way in 2025!
ProtoKoli was organized by Finnish Game Jam and Osuuskunta Vedenhaltijat with financial support from Usmin Fysioterapiapalvelu Oy, Jestercraft, Kooders and Boom Corp.
Special thanks to Riikka Lotta-Pehkonen for all the hard work in bringing everyone together, and all the jammers: Kiri Kälkäjä, Miikka Harjuntausta, Nevena Sicevic, Klaus Kääriäinen, Miikka Kostian, Harri Karhu, Antti Piironen and Olli-Matti Rautiainen.
🕹️🚀 ASM Game Jam is coming to the Assembly ‘24 again to fuel your passion for game development in August 1-4, 2024! Whether you’re a student, professional, or just love games, this jam is for you! Choose your technology, form a team or come with your teammates, and dive into the ultimate creative frenzy.
Tickets are available at: Eventbrite ❣️ Grab a free ticket if you already have Assembly ticket purchased OR buy a jammer ticket (for almost half the Assembly ticket price!!!) and get full access to Assembly Summer 2024, a computer place from our ASM Game Jam table, and of course access to ASM Game Jam!
Schedule ( may be subject to changes):
Thursday 1.7 12:00 Assembly doors open!! 16:00 Lights go out! This is the true beginning of Assembly ✨ 17:00 Check in for the ASM Game Jam begins! 20:00 ASM game jam begins 20:30 ASM Game Jam theme reveal and team forming at the small stage 21:30 Jamming starts! 23:00 Midnight snacks!
Friday 2.7 11:00 Morning update at the small stage 12:00 Jamming continues! 19:00 Go around ask around, check how other teams are doing! 23:00 Midnight snacks!
Saturday 3.7 11:00 Morning update at the small stage 12:00 Jamming continues! 19:00 Public playtesting session! 23:00 Deadline for the gameplay video and midnight snacks!!
Sunday 4.7 10:00 ASM Game Jam ends! Deadline for the game uploads 11:00 ASM Game Jam ending ceremony at the small stage, thanks for jamming! 11:30 Something special for the jammers ⭐ 12:30 Assembly closing ceremony 14:00 Cleaning and closing, see you next year!
On Thursday, May 16th, the Finnish Game Jam ry board members attended the Finnish Game Awards 2024 gala. As is tradition, the FGJ president, Teemu Kokkonen, awarded the Jampion of the Year award, this time to Laura Piispanen.
Teemu Kokkonen has also announced his retirement from the position as president. Teemu has held this function since 2020, and during his tenure, the FGJ organization has grown in numbers – despite the difficult challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. FGJ thanks Teemu for his service as president, especially as most of the current board members have joined thanks to him.
The new president of Finnish Game Jam ry is Jani Gröhn. Additionally the board also has a new vice president, Ren – . Finally, Irina Kekman joins the board, and was chosen for the new role of FGJ publicist. Teemu Kokkonen remains on the board as a deputy member.
All FGJ board members, active and deputies likewise, are committed to and actively working towards making FGJ a safe community for all, and aim to ensure all of FGJ events are a safe space for everyone attending.
We are thrilled to announce that Crossing Latitudes Jam organized by Finnish Game Jam and W Love Games in collaboration with the Brazil Embassy in Helsinki is approaching!
🗓️ Mark your calendars: 30.05 – 02.06.2024
For the second year we invite you to the exciting journey that transcends borders and bridges the gap between two vibrant gaming communities from Brazil and Finland. As the name of the jam indicates, we welcome everyone to be part of an extraordinary cross-cultural collaboration no matter where in the world you are!
Embrace the power of diversity and knowledge sharing as Finnish and Brazilian game developers and students unite for an incredible online event. Together, we’ll explore the rich tapestry of our two cultures, fostering connections, and sparking innovation in the gaming world.
How to join the jam?
To join the jam you need to click on “Join Jam” on our jam’s itch.io page – CLICK HERE.
Once you have joined the jam, make sure to join official Crossing Latitudes – Discord server which will be the main platform for the online jam. In Discord you will find more information and guidelines of the jam.
What’s in store for you?
✨ Cultural Fusion
Immerse yourself in a unique experience where Finnish and Brazilian game development expertise intertwine. Discover new perspectives, narratives, and artistic styles that transcend boundaries.
✨ Cross-Country Collaboration
Forge lasting connections with talented individuals from both Finland and Brazil. Engage in fruitful discussions, exchange ideas, and fuel your creativity with the collective wisdom of two dynamic gaming communities.
✨ Knowledge Sharing
Learn from the best! Participate in enlightening discussions, and mentorship throughout the jam, gaining invaluable insights into game design, storytelling, technology, and more, as industry experts share their wisdom.
✨ Collaborative Game Development
Team up with like-minded enthusiasts and put your skills to the test! Embark on an exciting game development journey, fueled by the fusion of Finnish and Brazilian influences. Create innovative games that capture the essence of cultural exchange and friendship.
✨ Gains and Recognition
Showcase your talent and open the doors to amazing opportunities! Earn recognition from a distinguished panel of judges, including renowned game developers and industry leaders. Your creativity could be rewarded and celebrated on an international stage, with showcasing your team and work at annual international game development conference W Love Games (October 12-13, 2023)!
The event is free to attend and you can join by simply registering at dedicated itch.io page. The event will be hosted fully online through Discord and Twitch channels, and accessible for everyone.
Ready to embark on this incredible adventure? Register now and secure your spot in the Finland-Brazil Game Jam. Together, let’s redefine the boundaries of game development, one cultural exchange at a time!
🦄 What is Jam Jam? Jam Jam is a yearly gathering for game jam organizers, jammers, and game enthusiasts. Originally it has been organized for everyone interested in learning, discussing and sharing ideas on game jams (and this purpose remains), but during the years of Jam Jams happening its entertainment program has extended into a full weekend festival and retreat for everybody who loves games.
🌟 What Jam Jam can offer you if you are: – a jam organizer: talks on game jams and jam games, tons of experience from fellow organizers to absorb; – a jammer: opportunity to connect to other jammers, show off your jam project, talk about your experience; – a game enthusiast: participate in or organize your own workshops and talks, bring your favorite board game, meet like-minded people, and so much more!
☑️ What the standard ticket includes: – entertainment program with talks and workshops about music, crafts, well-being, game jams, and more – accommodation for 2 nights and food! (breakfast supplies, served lunch, barbeque dinner – all including vegan options) – sauna and hot bathtub – beautiful scenery in a cottage village in the middle of the Finnish forest on top of the Sappeenvuori mountain Keep an eye on our socials for more information!
Did you organize a game jam yourself? How was it? How many jammers participated in the jam, what were the highlights?
Or maybe you experienced something surprising or exciting at a game jam somewhere? Did you make new friends? Jammed with your child? Brought your dog to the jamming site? Made an interesting game project? Fooled around in a creative way?
Submit your story to this story collection with a photo or without. The stories submitted before the 4th February 2024 and written in English will be considered to be published as part of the Finnish Game Jam Stories book. All the stories will be archived to the archive of the Finnish Museum of Games. Share your story
We invite you to join us for this epic game jam on September 13-15 online!
13-15.09 – Quantum Game Jam 2024 Register on 
To celebrate this milestone, in collaboration with Department of Computing at 
For more information visit 
We also got to enjoy some amazingly tasty food (that we made all by ourselves – special love goes out to our food preppers <3)!
