PICTURES: Game Jam makes long-awaited return to UHI Moray

GAME designers from across the UK gathered at UHI Moray at the weekend for the return of the Moray Game Jam.

The event was the first Game Jam since 2019 and kicked off at 12pm on Friday March 10, when the theme of this years game was announced.

From then competitors had 48 hours to create a board or video game based on this year's theme, which was to design a game based on the first line from a novel.

The creations were then unveiled on Sunday (March 12) at the Gaming Playground, where the games were judged by the panel and members of the public had the chance to play all of the games and vote for their favourite.

Emma Smith-Hunter from UHI Moray said: "We were really excited for the Game Jam to return and it's been a really good first year back.

"We've had about 30 people who have competed in the Jam, with about 15 or so teams taking part across the weekend. We have a good mix of teams of all levels of experience and a good spectrum of people from across the UK - people have come from far and wide to take part - which is really great."

"We have also had really good attendance to all of our workshops over the weekend and bringing the community in today to take part in the Gaming Playground is a great way to showcase what we can offer and the talent have here in Moray."

After much deliberation the judges declared the winners, with board game creators No Loading Required taking home the overall Board Game Winner award and the People's Choice Award for their game The Monster after Midnight.

Cari Watterton said: "Our game was inspired by the first line from A Monster Calls. I think the thing that's really amazing about the Moray Game Jam is that there's so much focus on spending that time making something.

"That is really rare and valuable and it's nice just to be able to hang out with our friends. It is great that we won but the joy of it is just hanging out and having a great time and making something that we're really proud of."

Richard Coldwell won the Video Game overall trophy, while Andrew French took home the People's Choice video game award which had been voted for by Gaming Playground attendees.

Andrew said: "I have been to every Game Jam and this is the first time I've won an award, so it's really good.

"My game seemed to be really popular and the kids loved it and that's what its all about really - just having fun and enjoying the event.

"The Game Jam is always really good and it's just so nice to see everyone again and have that weekend playing games and having fun."

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