Quantum Game Jam -- Making Games with Quantum Physicists

TL;DR

Quantum Game Jam (QGJ) is an innovative interdisciplinary event series that fosters collaboration between game developers and quantum physicists, resulting in numerous prototypes and ongoing projects that enhance understanding of quantum mechanics through gaming.

Contribution

This paper introduces and evaluates the Quantum Game Jam as a novel platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and science communication through game development.

Findings

Created 68 game prototypes from 2014-2019

At least three prototypes advanced beyond initial development

Participants reported increased understanding of quantum mechanics

Abstract

In this paper, we explore Quantum Game Jam (QGJ) as a method for facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and creating science game prototypes. QGJ was a series of game development events, science game jams, organized five times 2014-2019. In these events game makers and quantum physicists created games about quantum mechanics, games for quantum research and games utilizing quantum computers. QGJ has worked as a platform for multidisciplinary and collaborative exploration and learning: through creating 68 game prototypes throughout the years the participants have networked and learned from each other. In addition to this, at least three prototypes have been taken into further development. In this paper we evaluate how the format of QGJ performed. We discuss both the organizing of the events as well as the utility of the game prototypes. In addition to our observations on the jams, we have evaluated the game submissions of all events (2014-2019) and gathered survey data from the participants of the fifth event (2019).