SPRiG Lab
Significant Play and Research in Games
An innovative space at UNB that connects those with a shared interest in games, play, and media as rich subjects for cultural research, artistic experimentation, teaching development, and design innovation.
The Mother of All Game Jams
Saturday and Sunday, March 23-24, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
It's not Mother's Day yet, but we want to see more games made for/by/about all kinds of mothers and motherhood experiences. Whether you're a mother yourself or just interested in the theme, whether you're a seasoned game designer or an absolute beginner, and whether you want to make a video game or are more interested in board games, you are welcome!
Join us March 23-24 for the Mother of All Game Jams, a free, beginner-friendly, weekend game-making jam exploring the theme of motherhood and mothering in games, where participants can create tabletop or digital games, with guidance from local game design experts and hosted by the Department of Culture and Media Studies and the SPRiG Lab. The main jam will be held Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
All areas of knowledge and levels of experience are welcome, and beginners are encouraged! All ages are welcome, with participants under 16 accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and we encourage parents to come and make a game with their kids. If you are a parent with young kids and would like a chance to make a game yourself, on-site childcare will be provided, along with snacks, light meals and activities to help keep your kids engaged while you jam.
If you are planning on registering as part of a group, please indicate the name of your fellow group members on the registration form; those not registering as a group are welcome to work independently or will have the chance to work collaboratively with others should they choose, which can be decided during introductions and initial planning stages on March 23.
Location: The SPRiG Lab at UNB, Room 116 Marshall D'Avray Hall
Held in the SPRiG lab at UNB Fredericton (along with adjacent rooms for breakout sessions, computer access, childcare, rest space and more), this event is free for all and includes breakfast and lunch for the Saturday and Sunday sessions; snacks, activities, childcare and parking available free onsite; access to software, equipment, craft supplies and materials needed for game creation; and an exciting collaborative environment to explore game making.
While you are encouraged to participate in-person with us, this jam is designed to be flexible for your schedule, and you are welcome to work asynchronously and off-campus if needed. Please be prepared to communicate with your group members about your availability as needed.
This event is open to students, staff, faculty, and community members of all ages, and will be child-friendly and mask-friendly. It is intended to be an inclusive, accessible, flexible, collaborative, low-pressure, and low-stakes experience where you can work with others and be guided with hands-on help by knowledgeable and friendly facilitators. No gaming or game design experience necessary.
Contact sprig@unb.ca for more information.
