by Rachel Ward, Student Public Relations Writer
For 48 hours, teams of creatives traded sleep for brainstorming ideas, sketching characters, composing music and debugging code as the clock counted down. Working in small groups, they raced to transform an idea into a playable video game in a single weekend.
Global Game Jam at Cedarville University
At Cedarville University, that effort unfolded Jan. 30–Feb. 1 during the Global Game Jam, an international game-development event hosted at more than 800 locations worldwide. Cedarville has served as a host site since 2019, connecting its students to a global network of creators tackling the same 48-hour challenge.
Video Game Industry Collaboration Drives Interdisciplinary Game Development
The event reflects the collaborative nature of today’s video game industry, which generated nearly $189 billion in revenue in 2025, about six times the revenue of the film industry. While the phrase “video game development” may evoke an image of a solitary programmer, the reality is highly interdisciplinary, requiring the talents of voice actors, musicians, artists and software developers.
How the Global Game Jam Works: 48 Hours, Teams and a Theme Prompt
The Global Game Jam provides teams of three to five participants with space and resources to develop a playable game in just 48 hours based on a prompt revealed at the kickoff event. This year’s word — “mask” — inspired a wide range of creative interpretations.
Cedarville Computer Science Professor Explains Noncompetitive Design Focus
But unlike many engineering or technology events, this one is intentionally noncompetitive.
“In engineering, we hold competitions frequently, but this event isn’t one,” said Dr. George Landon, Cedarville’s head of computer science and cyber operations and facilitator of the event. “The goal is to make a game. If you end up with something people can play and enjoy, that’s a win.”
At some Global Game Jam locations, participants bring sleeping bags and remain on-site for the entire weekend, but Landon encourages Cedarville students to take a more balanced approach.
“Communication is much easier now with online tools, though it’s still nice to be face-to-face,” said Landon. “I don’t want students wiped out by Monday, and I want them going to church on Sunday, so we work around those things.”
Students Learn Game Design Skills in Music, Art and Programming
For many students, the Global Game Jam serves as their first exposure to video game development. Participants arrive with diverse interests, eager to learn how they can contribute.
“We always have a handful of students show up with zero experience,” said Landon. “Some are interested in making music or sounds for games, and others are really interested in art and want to do 2D or 3D art — which is good because we don't need everybody to be programmers.”
Many participants find the experience so valuable that they return every year. Olivia Walrath, a junior computer science major from New Carlisle, Ohio, has participated annually since her freshman year. This year, she developed a game with her sister, Sophia, and Nangsengchyoi Maran, a freshman studio art major from Dayton, Ohio.
“We had a great turnout and a lot of wonderful games,” said Walrath. “Especially this year, I learned the importance of keeping the scope of the game limited so it's reasonable to complete it in 48 hours.”
Landon noted that several Cedarville alumni continue to participate remotely after graduation — a testament to the event’s value.
Global Game Jam Builds Real-World Teamwork Skills
Beyond the finished games, the Global Game Jam offers students hands-on experience in creative collaboration under pressure, a skillset increasingly relevant across industries beyond gaming. Looking ahead, Landon hopes participation continues to grow as more majors recognize they have something to contribute.
“People think games are just programming, but they’re not,” said Landon. “Almost anyone can contribute.”
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
