What a weekend indeed!
Ten jammers, eight games, and forty-eight hours of pure creativity—featuring both first-timers and seasoned pros.
We just wrapped up the first-ever Global Game Jam in Darwin and the NT, and it was a brilliant way to lead into Australia Day. For years, the idea of hosting a major game dev event here felt out of reach, but our growing local community has shown it can be done—and done in style.
Darwin even earned a spot on the official Global Game Jam (GGJ) Twitch stream, where we connected with enthusiasts around the world. We’re thrilled the GGJ team—special thanks to @Jess Rowley (we'll see you in Darwin soon, aha!) —recognised our small but thriving ecosystem, highlighting both our event space and the dedicated creators who call Darwin home. More than just a meet-up of gamers, it was a place for first-time developers to roll up their sleeves and learn, for veterans to share their expertise, and for people of all backgrounds to come together and experiment.
These events matter because they nurture the next generation of creators.
Take Ben Houghton, for instance. Originally a landscape architect in Melbourne, he changed careers in 2020 to pursue his passion for video game music and sound composition—all while being a full-time dad. His experience at previous Global Game Jams pre-pandemic played a role in influencing that shift, sparking his interest in creating sound for games.
Since moving to Darwin, Ben and his family have become familiar faces at The Array. With several GGJ experiences under his belt, he was quick to step up when he heard we were hosting the NT’s first-ever jam. As our MC and all-around helping hand, he brought incredible energy and inspiration to the weekend. Thanks, Ben, for being such a legend!
It’s clear we’re at the start of something special in Darwin. The collaboration, the thrill of pushing boundaries, and the sheer joy of game development all combine to form a vibrant community we’re proud to call our own. Still, this is just the beginning.
So, what’s next? We hope to see more people stepping forward—controllers in hand or code editors open—to join the fun. When creative minds come together, whether they’re novices or experts, amazing things can happen. A big thank you to everyone who participated or lent a hand this time around. If you missed it, don’t worry—this is only the start. We can’t wait to see even more jammers, gamers, and creators at our next event.
Let’s keep building on this momentum and watch Darwin’s game dev scene continue to grow, one jam at a time!
Thinking of hosting a similar tech or creative event—maybe even another first for Darwin? The Array is open for you. Reach out, and let’s discuss how we can bring your vision to life!
What a great gig! Good Job :)