Breaking Boundaries: A Game Poem Jam with Shuhei Yoshida and TIGSource Founder

Unlocking the World of Game Poems: An Overview of the NFTS Game Jam

Are you free on Monday 7th to Tuesday 8th September? If not, you might be missing out on a unique opportunity to impress industry veterans like Shuhei Yoshida and Jordan Magnuson with your creative prowess in the realm of videogame poetry.

The National Film & Television School in the UK is hosting a game jam focused on the intriguing concept of “videogame poems.” These short-form expressions aim to challenge the boundaries between art forms and offer a new perspective on storytelling in games.

Leading the jam is Jordan Magnuson, a prominent figure known for his innovative approach to game design inspired by poetry. Magnuson’s work delves into the principles of brevity, subjectivity, and ritual performance, drawing inspiration from renowned poets like Goethe and Emily Dickinson.

Magnuson’s exploration of game poems is detailed in an open access book that not only analyzes the works of established poets but also provides practical exercises for aspiring game poets. The book serves as a valuable resource for those looking to delve into this under-studied field.

Describing poetry as a versatile mode of intervention that transcends mediums, Magnuson emphasizes the transformative power of poetic expression in various forms of media.

While an interview with Magnuson and Yoshida promises to shed more light on the world of game poems, the focus is currently on the upcoming game jam. The judging panel includes industry experts like Cash DeCuir, John Lau, Claudio Pollina, and Jenna Jovi, each bringing a unique perspective to the evaluation process.

To kick off the jam, Magnuson will host a seminar on Monday at 11am UK time, where the theme of the jam will be revealed. Participants are encouraged to create browser-playable works that embody the essence of game poetry.

For those hesitant to embrace poetic expression, the jam offers an added incentive with Steam giftcards up for grabs for the winners. So, why not take a leap into the world of game poems and let your creativity shine?