The Global Game Jam is an international event where game developers gather at local sites to create playable games in 48 hours. This year people will come together to collaboratively create their own playable games in over 163 different locations across the world. To try out some games created at last year's Global Game Jam, checkout the 2010 and 2011 Global Game Jam game archives.

You, too, could participate in this global event. As a participant, you will pitch games ideas, form a team at the location, and create your own game. This is a great opportunity to challenge yourself and your programming, art, audio, or design skills. This year, participants are welcome to create digital or board games during the event.

And, the best part is that you don't have to travel far to participate. As part of 35 U.S. based sites, we are offering a site right in Madison. The Game Jam at the Madison site begins on Friday, January 27th, 2011 at 5:00 PM CST. The jam continues until 3:00 PM CST on Sunday, January 29th. Local judges will then play each of the games and award prizes, and the teams will showcase their creations to participants. All finished games will be available on the Global Game Jam main site for play.