SEA Game Jam 2024, the annual 48-hour game jam hosted by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) in conjunction with Malaysia Digital Content Festival (MYDCF), successfully brought together 100 game developers, students, and enthusiasts this 27-29 September at Xsolla Curine Academy.
Known over the years for fostering innovation and collaboration on a cultural level, this annual event served as a significant platform for both budding and professional game developers to showcase their skills, network with industry leaders, and contribute to the vibrant gaming community in the region.
Expending Your Energy Efficiently
As in previous years, the SEA Game Jam followed a surprise theme, which was revealed only at the event’s commencement, adding suspense and challenge. Teams were challenged to design and develop original games within a limited timeframe, based on the unexpected theme of Energy Efficiency.
Each team, composed of programmers, artists, game designers, and sometimes complete newbies worked together to create a fully functional game prototype. At the end of the 48-hour game jam, participants presented their projects to a panel of judges, which included veteran game developers, industry experts, and potential investors.
Namely, these judges were Ameen Harun, the Lead of Customer Sustainability Solutions from Tenaga Nasional Berhad; Jeremy Ooi, the Design Director of Kaigan Games; Bazil Ahmad Bidin, the Operations and Development Manager of Playstation Studios Malaysia; and Leonid Malysh, the Data and Growth Director of Xsolla.
Maxim Shiyanov, Head of Production of Xsolla and project lead from Wargaming, who previously led the development of World of Tanks, also served as a judge, evaluating participants’ work based on various criteria such as originality and quality of execution.
Highlights From The Jam
The jam attracted various game studios, publishers, and sponsors looking for emerging talent and fresh ideas. Representatives from Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Kaigan Games and Xsolla’s teaching faculty attended, making it an ideal opportunity for participants to network and connect.
Projects were judged based on a range of criteria, including creativity, originality, technical execution, aesthetic appeal, and adherence to the theme. Playability was also highly regarded, along with the game’s potential appeal to broader audiences. The judging panel provided constructive feedback to encourage participants to further refine and develop their games.
Winning teams received prizes, which included monetary rewards of up to RM5,000, and a chance to fully develop their game with funding and some exclusive merchandise. The grand prize was awarded to Team EMC’s Blackout Protocol, a top-down 2D horror game where players are tasked with securing a mysterious facility from one of its escaping specimens.
Why SEA Game Jam Matters to the Region
The Southeast Asian gaming industry has been experiencing rapid growth, with revenue projections reaching billions in recent years. SEA Game Jam has played a crucial role in cultivating local talent, fostering regional collaboration, and encouraging innovative game concepts. It has become a valuable launchpad for aspiring developers to gain visibility, secure funding, and develop games that reflect Southeast Asian culture and appeal globally.
SEA Game Jam 2024 delivered an exhilarating experience for both developers and gaming enthusiasts. With its colourful culture and showcase of Southeast Asia’s best creative talent, it was an unforgettable event that once again propelled the region’s gaming industry forward.
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