Global Game Jam 2025 Report
Once again this year, the global numbers for GGJ 2025 highlight the impressive scale of this event: 795 locations in 97 countries hosted 35,371 jammers, who created 12,098 games in just 48 hours, marking a 20% increase compared to the previous year!
The Global Game Jam represents a unique opportunity for students, professionals, and gaming enthusiasts. It is a true creative marathon, similar to a hackathon, where participants have only 48 hours to design, develop, and complete a video game based on a secret theme revealed at the start of the event. This year, the theme was met with great enthusiasm, giving rise to original and innovative projects.
Milan on the Front Line: 170 Participants and 30 Volunteers at SAE
From January 26 to 28, 2025, Milan hosted one of the Italian locations for the Global Game Jam® (GGJ) at the SAE Institute. The edition was a tremendous success, with 170 enthusiastic participants and the invaluable support of 30 volunteers and mentors, who made the experience even more engaging and inclusive.
Mentors and volunteers provided technical and motivational support to the participants, creating a welcoming and stimulating environment that allowed the jammers to tackle the challenges of the jam with enthusiasm.
Thanks to the SAE Institute, which provided modern spaces and an ideal setting for creativity, the event confirmed itself as a key reference point for the development of the Italian video game sector.
Why the Global Game Jam is Important for the Industry and Learning
The Global Game Jam is not just an event; it represents an extraordinary opportunity for growth, inclusion, and collaboration. The main benefits include:
- Skill Development: Participating in a game jam challenges technical skills like programming, design, storytelling, and time management.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Jammers work side by side, often forming multidisciplinary teams and learning how to manage group work under tight deadlines.
- Boundless Creativity: The free and stimulating approach of the GGJ allows participants to experiment with new ideas and technologies.
- Networking and Opportunities: The event is an opportunity to meet industry professionals, make new friends, and even start future collaborations.
Conclusions
Each edition of the Global Game Jam, whether online or in person, demonstrates how the passion for video games can bring together different people and stimulate creativity. We are proud to have hosted such a significant event for the Italian gaming industry and hope that this experience has been a starting point for many developers and creatives.
It’s not just about the game created, but especially the journey, the challenges faced, and the experiences shared. A success that we hope to replicate in future editions, continuing to promote creativity, inclusion, and collaboration within the Italian video game landscape.