join us for a weekend full of creativity and fun, where students, game devs, and enthusiasts get together to create awesome games.
The Hackathon is SGJ's annual 48-hour game jam aimed at bringing together people who are passionate about game dev - from students to industry veterans, indies, gamers, and other enthusiasts - to create games, elevate their skills, and foster friendships.
Work in teams to design, develop, test and create new games around a central theme revealed at the start of the jam.
Explore new technology tools, try out on new roles in development and test your skills.
Connect with the game dev community, foster friendships, and get opportunities to learn from like-minded creators.
The hackathon begins on December 1st, Friday at late afternoon. Everyone gathers, we watch a short video keynote and the secret theme of the jam is announced.
After the announcement, people have time to meet each other and organize in teams. Teams are then challenged to make games based on the theme.
Games are to be completed by December 3, Sunday afternoon, after which we'll have a dedicated time to play all games. Every team also gets to present their game on stage. At the end, jammers vote for what they think is the best game and awards are given out.
We've invited skilled mentors from 11 Bit Studios, Creative Assembly Sofia, Kipi Int., and more, to assist any team facing design, creative, or technical challenges, and needing guidance as they bring their game ideas to life.
We'll be joined by our friends from Sound Ninja Music Academy. Their team of experienced sound designers and composers will be on hand to help teams elevate their games with custom sound effects, original music and additional audio support.
We've provided 25 free tickets to students from partner school and educational organizations who want to pursue a career in game dev, to give them a chance to acquire relevant experience that can help them on their career journey.
Boasting a breathtaking view of the Vitosha mountain and built to be 100% work-friendly, Barter Community Hub are our new host this year.
They'll provide us with:
- 24/7 access during the event
- Secure Gbit Internet connectivity
– Plenty of natural light
- Tasty catering and cozy drinks
– Convenient location near Paradise Mall
To take part in the event you need to buy a ticket. We are a non-profit organization and ticket revenues together with sponsor support helps us cover the cost of the event.
We encourage people with all kinds of backgrounds to participate and contribute. It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced game dev or if you are aspiring to a career in games. We believe that everyone can be creative and benefit from the experience of creating games.
Participation in the HACKATHON
dedicated workspace and high-speed connection
mentorship from game dev professionals
limited edition merch
Lunch and dinner during the days
coffee, water, and monster drinks to fuel you
Access to the afterparty @ Barter Community Hub
Meet the folks who are helping make this year’s event the best yet.
Yes, you have to bring your own computer and any other equipment you think you will need. We provide desks, chairs, internet connection and electrical sockets.
Teams are formed at the first day of the hackathon. After the theme of is announced, participants will have a couple of hours to meet, share ideas and organize into teams.
Teams can have anywhere between 2 and 6 people. While there is no hard rule forbidding teams to have more than 6 people, we generally discourage it. Past editions have proved that the optimal size for a team is 4 to 5 people.
You can if you want to, but the hackathon is very much about collaborating with others to stir creativity and make something special together.
Worry not. Our community is incredibly welcoming and friendly. We facilitate an environment that is accessible to everyone - from veterans to newcomers.
Whatever you want! Video games, board games, card games, tabletop games, there is no limit.
Yes, we do. Everything is fresh and prepared on location by our friends at Barter Community Hub.
