Every time you turn on your XBOX or your PlayStation or your Wii, do you wonder where your Halo or your GTA came from? Do you ever think about the process, the work that goes into creating a game?

 This weekend at LSU’s Digital Media Center, Global Game Jam is bringing that process to you. From January 29-31, people from all different backgrounds will gather at multiple locations around the world, including Baton Rouge, to participate in a weekend of game development, beginning at three-o-clock Friday afternoon, when this year’s theme will be announced. From there, participants at LSU and all over the globe will work to complete a game based on that theme by Sunday evening. According to Global Game Jam’s website, last year in 2015, 5349 games came out of more than 500 locations in 78 countries.

 At the LSU location, there is an entrance fee of $25, and drinks and snacks are provided on site.

 This high-speed experience, the creative development of a game complete with a narrative, graphics, and entertaining gameplay condensed into 48 hours, is meant to foster collaboration and strengthen friendships within the gaming community, and it is not a competition. The Jam originates with the idea that in an age defined by technology, we can all still find a way to be connected.

Game on!