GameathonUK – Windows 8 World Record Attempt

This weekend were collaborating with online blended learning service Train2Game and the University of Bedfordshire to set the world record for the largest game jam held in a single location, at the Microsoft and Train2Game Gameathon 2012

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Yesterday students on Train2Game courses gathered at the University of Bedfordshire. Student will be developing applications based on the theme ‘Pride of London’ from 14^th September to 16^th September 2012, students have formed into development teams and are now busy creating videogames for Windows 8 in 48 hours. The world record will be set with a target of 301 or more participants. Representatives from The Guinness Book of World Records are in presence in and adjudicating the event

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“We’re teaming with Train2Game not only to set a world record, but also to support gaming development in the UK,” said John Richards, senior director, Windows Partners and Developers at Microsoft Corp. “We’re working with the students developing for Windows 8, as they are the future of the industry.”

Myra Smallman, Course Director, Train2Game: “This is a tremendous opportunity for our students to work with one of the most respected technology companies in the world. Microsoft is a major player in the video games industry globally and being part of this relationship will be incredibly positive for Train2Game students when they look for employment in the future. The students taking part will also be world record holders, a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Are you ready?

We started with proceeding grouping all the attendees across two lectures theatre, technical presentations from Simon Michael and myself gave students a overview of designing great games for Windows 8 before the two packed rooms.

Gameathon UK Windows 8 Lecture from Lee Stott

After the presentations the proceedings were streamed across the theatres and Bill Rammell, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, welcomed all the attendees to the University and to the challenge ahead. Tiga CEO, Richard Wilson then welcomed the students to the gaming industry,  Mira Smallman then presented the Rules of Engagement for the World Record attempt clearly outlining the rule and record breaking conditions.

Our keynote speaker, Scott Henson, Senior Director or Microsoft Studios, gave a inspiring presentation on his passion for gaming and discussed the opportunities of the gaming industry and achievement of Microsoft and the RARE studio .

To close off, Scott had the pleasure to announce the theme for the games ‘Pride of London’ .

Student then eagerly departed the theatres to their team rooms to begin brainstorming and coding.

Coding through the night

So its now day 2. Unfortunately there has been no sleep for the competitors as they are only allowed 1 hour break every 8 hours .

The teams have been getting their hands dirty coding  C++  DirectX Windows 8 games. As we all know there is simply no better way to apply the learning’s of the last few weeks than getting in front of the computer and start to code on your idea.

Team responsibilities are now well established with teams averaging 6 – 8 members so 2 designers, 2 developers, 1 QA and 1 Artist.

Most of the teams are Team Foundation Server via TFS preview accounts or GitHub to work allow them to effectively to work in groups.

We have already seen some really interesting concepts and prototypes and students are mastering Blend and Visual Studio 2012 in an amazing way.

From a personal standpoint, there is a fantastic atmosphere across all the rooms and teams.

Looking forward to another 24 hours.. Thankfully I did have some sleep..