What are the most important considerations when choosing a game design hackathon?

If you are interested in game design, you might have heard of game design hackathons. These are events where you work with a team to create a playable prototype of a game in a limited time, usually 24 to 48 hours. Hackathons can be a great way to learn new skills, network with other game designers, and showcase your creativity. But how do you choose the right game design hackathon for you? Here are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind.

1 Your goals

Before you sign up for a game design hackathon, you should ask yourself what you want to achieve from it. Do you want to learn a new tool, genre, or mechanic? Do you want to expand your portfolio or resume? Do you want to meet potential collaborators or mentors? Do you want to have fun and challenge yourself? Different hackathons may have different themes, rules, prizes, and expectations, so you should look for one that aligns with your goals and interests.

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Garry Sands

🌟6x LinkedIn Top Voice | Co-Founder @World of Turnips | Bringing People and Product Together | Apple Alumni | Executive MBA 🌟
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Goals are fundamental when selecting a game design hackathon as they define what you aim to achieve and experience. Whether it's skill enhancement, networking, or launching a prototype, aligning your objectives with the hackathon's theme and structure ensures a fulfilling participation. As Steve Jobs famously said, "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work." Choosing a hackathon that resonates with your aspirations maximizes the potential for personal and professional growth in game design.

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2 Your skills

Another factor to consider is your current level of game design skills and experience. Some hackathons may be more suitable for beginners, while others may require more advanced knowledge and expertise. You should also think about what skills you can contribute to a team, and what skills you want to improve or learn from others. For example, if you are good at programming, but want to learn more about art or sound, you might look for a hackathon that encourages multidisciplinary teams and collaboration.

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Garry Sands

🌟6x LinkedIn Top Voice | Co-Founder @World of Turnips | Bringing People and Product Together | Apple Alumni | Executive MBA 🌟
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When selecting a game design hackathon, consider assessing skills and where you’d like to develop. An introspection of strengths across programming, art, storytelling will help to find a hackathon aligning with expertise. Resources like Unity Learn, Unreal Online Learning, and Coursera offer tutorials enhancing various skills. Look for hackathons emphasizing your strengths to maximize your contributions and overall experience.

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3 Your availability

Game design hackathons can be very demanding and time-consuming, so you should make sure you have enough time and energy to participate fully. Depending on the format and duration of the hackathon, you may have to work for several hours or days without much sleep or breaks. You should also consider your other commitments and responsibilities, such as work, school, family, or health. You don't want to join a hackathon that will interfere with your personal or professional life, or cause you unnecessary stress or burnout.

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Garry Sands

🌟6x LinkedIn Top Voice | Co-Founder @World of Turnips | Bringing People and Product Together | Apple Alumni | Executive MBA 🌟
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This key component is more than often overlooked. When selecting a game design hackathon, availability or lack there-of, can have serious implications on overall scope, float and the team well-being. Ensure the event aligns with your schedule to dedicate ample time for ideation, development, and collaboration. Look for hackathons with flexible timelines or manageable durations that suit your availability. Resources like itch.io, Indie Game Jams, and GameDev.net offer comprehensive listings of upcoming hackathons, allowing you to choose events that fit your schedule and commitments.

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4 Your resources

Finally, you should think about what resources you need or have access to for a game design hackathon. These may include hardware, software, internet connection, workspace, or budget. Some hackathons may provide some or all of these resources, while others may expect you to bring your own. You should also check if there are any fees or costs involved in joining or attending a hackathon, and if they are worth it for you. You don't want to join a hackathon that will put you in a financial or technical disadvantage, or limit your creative options.

Game design hackathons can be a great way to learn, network, and create games. But they are not all the same, and they are not for everyone. By considering your goals, skills, availability, and resources, you can choose a game design hackathon that suits you best and helps you achieve your game design aspirations.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the most important considerations when choosing a game design hackathon?

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1 Your goals

2 Your skills

3 Your availability

4 Your resources

5 Here’s what else to consider

Game Design

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What are the most important considerations when choosing a game design hackathon?

1

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3

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5

1 Your goals

2 Your skills

3 Your availability

4 Your resources

5 Here’s what else to consider

Game Design

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