The Global Game Jam (GGJ) an IGDA event, today announced that the countdown to the 2010 Global Game Jam has officially begun with the event a mere 240 hours away from starting. The premier event promoting international game development and teamwork has also grown even larger to 127 venues as it becomes more global each day.

“As we count down to the start of the Global Game Jam 2010, anyone interested should be getting ready by checking their local venue, signing up, and visiting our site to answer any last minute questions that they might have,” said Susan Gold, founder of the Global Game Jam. “The event is open to anyone interested in being part of a team and creating a game.”

The 2010 GGJ will take place January 29-31, 2010 in 36 countries around the world including: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, UK, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lithuania , Mexico , The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Scotland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, USA, Venezuela and Colombia.

Game Jams foster innovation and experimentation. If you have ever wanted to make a game, be a part of a team, or go outside of your usual working method, then a game jam is for you. It’s all about making games and in the GGJ you’re part of a global experiment in creativity. A game jam is not for the faint of heart though. It’s two days of hard work, experimentation, little sleep, collaboration, cramped quarters, new friends, great idea, laughs, technical issues and the time of your life.

Everyone is given similar constraints and rules to make their games, it is amazing how different and culturally diverse the games will be. The Nordic Game Jam has honored GGJ with being the flagship Game Jam. The goal is to provide a vehicle for professional developers, students and hobbyist to come together and have an incredible experience in collaboration and inventiveness. The GGJ works perfectly into the mission of the International Game Developers Association, “Connecting members with their peers & promoting professional development.” A Game Jam is not a competition, it is unique "idea space" where sometimes things work and sometimes they don’t.

For details on how to become a host location in your city or town, check out the Global Game Jam website: http://www.globalgamejam.org