Global Game Jam - Northwoods Showcase program makes for more than ‘just’ a game

With flashing screens and intriguing games everywhere you looked, the fourth annual Global Game Jam - Northwoods Showcase drew an appreciative crowd to Nicolet College’s Lakeshore Center last Wednesday, March 11, to enjoy the creations of its middle and high school student participants.

Mike Cheslock of the School District of Rhinelander, who helps guide the event with professional game engineer Jeremy Nikolai, explained that the Northwoods Showcase portion of the worldwide Global Game Jam is part of a larger program called the Culture Tap, a collaboration between SDR, Nicolet College and ArtStart. Rhinelander Community Foundation also donates some funding.

“We had about 20 or so kids this year, and we made digital games, board games, card games,” he said. In a process that began in early February, “Some students worked individually, some students got into groups, and they thought of an idea for a game and they created it.”

“It’s kind of a spark,” Cheslock added. “Most of the students that come to us already have an interest in gaming, but then hopefully we foster even more interest that kind of catches on. There are some students who really want to possibly do this for a career someday, just like Jeremy does.”

Nikolai, who brings his talents remotely from Stevens Point to VR game company Another Axiom, famed for its “Gorilla Tag” game, has been involved for all four years of the Northwoods Showcase. 

“My schedule’s so busy with everything else,” he said, “but the kids were asking me to come back, and it’s hard to say no when there’s nothing else like this. There’s not a lot of tech education.”

This program’s value extends beyond its technical elements, though, he emphasized. “ …It’s a creative endeavor that takes all sorts of roles. It’s not just programming; it’s art, it’s making your own music, writing, presentation management ... and a lot of it is just team-building, learning to work together,” he explained.

“It’s getting people working and thinking in a creative mindset, and realizing there are creative roles out there that you can do. … Games are really influential in changing the culture and shaping who we are as a species.”

Ardith Carlton may be reached at [email protected].