We are excited to share the experiences of some of the 2024 GGJ-devcom Scholars, a group of passionate organizers, volunteers, and jammers from around the globe who embody the spirit of the Global Game Jam community. Thanks to the generous support of our partners at devcom, these scholars had the incredible opportunity to attend devcom, gaining valuable insights and connections in the games industry. In this post, we’ll hear directly from the scholars as they reflect on their journey, share their highlights, and send their warm greetings to the community.
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Svenja Schmitt, Germany
Looking back on my time at Devcom, the whole experience was truly something special, filled with moments of learning, laughter, and connections that I’ll never forget!
Foremost, Dr. Jenn and Robin, along with many partners and mentoring guests, went above and beyond to teach us scholars everything we needed to know about networking and preparing for the event beforehand. I learned so much that I wouldn’t have found anywhere else, certainly not to the same extent or depth. There were numerous 101 talks from amazing mentors where we learned everything from how to pack a suitcase and tips for traveling to Germany, to preparing a Discord server for pitching a game and building a community. We also covered how to network oneself or one's game into a publishing deal. The range of topics was so diverse—there was something for everyone. Additionally, there were FAQ room meetings where we practiced pitching ourselves and got to know each other before Devcom.
At the event itself, Dr. Jenn and Robin had many creative ideas to bring us together and practice networking in the early morning before the first talks even began, all while enjoying some free smoothies! For example, on Tuesday morning, we formed fun circles for a speed networking session where we could pitch ourselves to someone we might not have met before. It was a lively experience that really helped us get ready for the day, and I have to admit—it worked! The day before, I couldn’t bring myself to approach some of the stands, but by that day, I walked up to every single one of them!
But in the end what really made this Devcom experience unforgettable was the incredible community that came together. The scholarship experience brought us into a family of fellow scholars and mentors who were all so kind and supportive. No matter where you turned, there was always someone ready to help, offer support, and share a smile. There was never a place where you had to go alone. It felt like we were all in it together, making this big, sometimes overwhelming world of such a massive convention feel a little more homely and a lot more welcoming.
Through this experience, I feel like I truly learned what it means to properly network. Even with the current state of the industry and as a recent graduate, the entire experience—and most importantly, the people—restored my hope that I might one day make it into the industry, giving me back the most essential piece of hope!
The atmosphere created by Dr. Jenn, Robin, and everyone involved was nothing short of magical. It truly felt like a dream to be part of something so full of kindness, passion, and shared purpose. I’m so thankful for every moment, every connection, and every piece of wisdom shared!
Ana Carreira, Portugal
Hello, I am Ana, an Undergraduate in Games in Multimedia in Portugal.
I was given access to the on-site pass, but sadly I could not go to Germany due to unfortunate circumstances. I am thrilled I still was able to watch it online. I focused on watching the game design and narrative design talks and they all were amazing.
I felt like I had super productive days, taking notes about everything I heard. I love the fact that the gamescom site let us ask questions and that the moderators worked fast to solve audio issues. Thank you, devcom, I will certainly go again! ?
Shagufta Khan, India
Thank you so much for the opportunity to attend Devcom virtually.
As a young Indian indie studio aiming for a global footprint, attending Devcom was invaluable. Insights from industry veterans have equipped us with crucial knowledge to shape India's first global simulation games studio. We're excited to apply these learnings to our journey.
Xiange Wang, China
Devcom was an incredibly rewarding experience for me, filled with meaningful connections and substantive discussions. The event ran seamlessly, allowing me to deeply engage with professionals who shared similar interests and concerns while also addressing issues that are not just important but pivotal for the future of the game industry. This intellectual exchange was immensely enriching, providing me with the opportunity not only to share my own ideas but also to absorb the insights and perspectives of others.
One of the highlights was to examine the future of the gaming industry, especially through the talk "AAA is Dead." Discussions about the industry’s transition from traditional AAA models to more diverse and innovative platforms were truly eye-opening. Another session that most resonated with me was "Environmental Sustainability in Games," which explored integrating climate resilience into game development. This idea aligns with my interest in sustainability and the power of games to create positive change successfully.
I also found the "Towards Green Video Game Development" talk particularly interesting, especially the comparison of the power consumption of large game engines. As someone who recently started the career as an environmental artist, I appreciated the practical advice given between the environmental artists and level designers, as well as the guidance presented on the road to better learn computer graphics. This insight is invaluable as I continue to grow in my practice and help create a sustainable and innovative game environment.
Despite being in China, I was able to attend Devcom virtually, thanks to the support from the Global Game Jam and Devcom's scholarship initiative. This opportunity allowed me to connect with professionals worldwide and engage with the diverse industries and cultures within the gaming sector. It was refreshing to interact with global experts and gain insights into the latest developments in gaming, all from afar.
Tim Sommer, Germany
Devcom was a spectacle, as always. There were so many wonderful people. And it is always really nice to make connections, but more importantly friends along the way. I learned two incredible lessons along the way. When you know it‘s right, don’t just see even the highest tiers as connections, but as the people they are. People that can be more than just connections. And second of all, if life puts constraints in front of you, don’t see it as a problem but create opportunities out of it that spark creativity.
I had an incredible time like last year and having all these scholarships and programs up was wonderful to find new friends from all around the world.
I was a little too focused on my goals, which is why I used less time just talking and getting to know people, but we learn one or two things everytime we do something and then we do it better.
I dearly hope to be there again, next year.
