Students from the North-West University (NWU) recently collaborated with their counterparts from the University of Lincoln (UoL) in the United Kingdom for the Arcademia Global Game Jam, an intense 48-hour competition to create playable arcade games. The "Echoes Across the Arcade" theme urged participants to consider how the past influences the present through gameplay.
The jam was hosted by the School of Computer Science and Information Systems in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (FNAS) at the NWU, together with the UoL Computer Science Society, which is a key partner in this competition. The Hybrid Teaching Mobility Project, which was financed by the UCDG, and the Centre for Teaching and Learning at the NWU supported the larger international teaching initiative.
A total of fifteen games were filed, nine from the UoL and six from the NWU. To ensure fairness and objectivity, the games were judged cross-institutionally, with the NWU evaluating the UoL submissions and vice versa. Submissions were evaluated on creativity, technical execution, gameplay and alignment with the theme.
The winners
Muhammad Omar, Jan-Paul van den Berg, Raken Belayet, Humaid Ebrahim, Mbuyelo Batlile Mboweni, Andre Vermeulen and Sulaiman Sulaman produced the fast-paced 2D twin-stick shooter IP Conflict, which took the first prize. Given the time constraint, their polished mechanics and execution of their game made an ever-lasting impression.
The second place produced a tie. Bit Brawler, Stephen Nel's solo project, was notable for its nostalgic retro style and tight battle system. A team of seven, Lethabo Maepa, Fikile Ntsala, Jorge Saname, Khodani Ludere, Mosa Cindi, Tanyi Samuel Mthuli and Nyengedzo Jonathan Cherane, created DragonJourney, which had a compelling storyline and stunning graphics.
Echoes in the Dark won first place at Lincoln, thanks to its evocative, surreal gameplay. Geometry Smash won second place due to its simple, elegant design. Retro-Ware, TaxiSimulator, and Geometry Jump, three games that each contributed something different, tied for third place.
Game development as a first
For many, the jam was their first venture into game development. Some experimented with industry technologies such as the Godot engine, while others created code from scratch. Teams developed naturally, and by the conclusion of the jam, new friendships and partnerships had formed.
Muhammad Omar from IP Conflict stated, "The game jam was one of the highlights of my academic life. It was great to be able to create and show off something we worked so hard on. I hope we can do it again.”
Lethabo Maepa from DragonJourney expressed a similar sentiment: "It was enjoyable. Making games with Godot taught me something new, and I will be trying to learn more about it."
In an effort to attract students from a greater variety of specialities and prevent exam conflicts, organisers are already planning future jams. There are ongoing discussions about expanding the Arcademia concept to institutions on different continents in order to grow its international reach and create a global network of game developers.
The development of a digital game library showcasing student-made games and an annual jam schedule are in the works. High participation by students and increasing university support are making Arcademia more than simply a fun competition – it is developing into a long-lasting platform for education, innovation and global cooperation.
Dr Lance Bunt, senior lecturer at the School of Computer Science and Information Systems and coordinator of the event, concluded, “This is not just about games. It is about learning, legacy, and lifting each other up through creativity. Arcademia shows us what is possible when we teach not only with our minds but with our playfulness."
To a successful Global Game Jam
The IP Conflict squad celebrates their first-place victory. From the left are Andre Vermeulen, Humaid Ebrahim, Muhammad Omar, Batlile Mboweni, Raken Belayet, Sulaiman Sulaman and Jan-Paul van den Berg.
Stephen Nel secured a tied second place with his solo project, Bit Brawler.
The DragonJourney team tied for second place with their 2D adventure.
