ESA Wants *You* (to Make a Space Game!): Spaceship Game Jam Launches!
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
The European Space Agency is hosting a game jam focused on space-themed games, offering participants access to real space data - a great opportunity for aspiring game devs (and anyone who wants to help Kojima get to Mars). It sounds like it's got the potential to turn a cool concept or two into a reality.
Right, space cadets, listen up! Think you've got what it takes to design the next Kerbal Space Program, or maybe even help Kojima get his arse to Mars? Well, the European Space Agency (ESA) is giving you a shot with their Spaceship Game Jam!
Seriously, I've been poking around this news all morning, and it's actually pretty neat. Rock Paper Shotgun (bless their hearts) brought this to my attention – seems the ESA is teaming up with the Finnish Game Jam to challenge developers to "design and prototype games or playful concepts inspired by real-world space issues." And you know what? I'm genuinely curious.
The event is happening from August 29th to August 31st, both in-person (various locations in Finland) and online. Best part? It's free to enter. No prior rocket science degree required. Just, as the organizers put it, "Curiosity and a desire to explore." (Side note: my browser just linked "curiosity" to that whole Peter Molyneux debacle… the internet's a weird place, innit?).
But here’s the bit that perked my ears up: participants get *exclusive* access to a treasure trove of ESA data and assets. We’re talking satellite info, research mission findings, telescope images – the works! Think of it as the ultimate modding kit for the cosmos. Fancy building a game that accurately simulates orbital mechanics? Now you can, mate!
Now, you might be thinking, "Jeff, why should I give a toss about what the ESA is doing?" Fair question. But consider this: the line between public space exploration and the gaming industry is getting blurrier by the day. NASA, for example, has been dabbling in game development for ages to get the public hyped and, let’s be honest, keep the funding flowing. They even consulted on *Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare* (yeah, I know, but still!). Plus, they're working with the *Hardspace: Shipbreaker* crew on a Martian colony sim. Proper cool.
The ESA's been hitting up Gamescom to snag some fresh geek talent, and they're currently collaborating with Don't Nod (the *Life Is Strange* folks) on a sci-fi adventure called *Aphelion*. See? It's all connected!
So, if you’re looking for a chance to flex your creative muscles, learn a bit about space, and maybe even impress some real-life rocket scientists, the Spaceship Game Jam is worth a look. Who knows, you might just launch your career (pun absolutely intended) into orbit.
Tags: game jam, european space agency, esa, indie games, space exploration
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun