First and foremost, I’m a writer. I love putting thoughts and ideas into written form and I live for the discussions that follow, especially when it comes to games. However, during my time in college I studied game design, which gave me a different perspective. 

While I am more fascinated by the work created others, there is a certain allure to creating your own game – be it anolag or digital. There is something about coming up with an idea, implimenting it, and seeing the results of your work. 

Over the weekned, I participated in the 2017 Global Game Jam at NYU’s Game Center. For any gamer living in the New York area, The Game Center is a beacon for all things gaming in the city. If haven’t before, you should check out their events.
I originally went to this event to see a friend and colleague participate. He is a game design student entering is last semester at NYU. We’ve created plenty of games together and I was there to support him. However, I decided to take a stab at creating something of my own. 

The idea behind the Global Game Jam is to create a game (analog or digital) within a 48 hour time frame. The challenge was to create a game using the them of waves. I created something fairly simple. A card game that I hope to develop in the future. 

This experience reminded me why creation is such a thrill. It’s about taking inspiration from something and making something entirely new, fleshing out a complex concept, making it work, seeing if your ideas come across clearly. It’s about making something fun that others enjoy. 

Even if you are not a professional, I encourage all gamers to make their own games. Even if it’s pen and paper. It’s not as easy as it looks. But through the sweat, hard work, and brain farts, you’ll find the joy in creation.