WBCX Game Jam

Background:

Dr. Allal Tiberkak is lecturer at Medea Universtity in Algeria. His research focusses on XR technologies and applied research scenarios. He will be visiting the Games Engineering group in November. Dr. Tiberkak and Prof. von Mammen are taking this opportunity to offer a dedicated game jam aiming at collaborative XR games! 

The Game Jam Format: 

Following traditional game jam formats, we will start on Friday afternoon (at 4pm) with an introductory unit on web-based collaborative XR technology by Allal. Saturday morning (from 9 to 12), a hands-on workshop will follow. Equipped with these basics, you can explore playful collaborative XR scenarios until the final presentations of the game jam on Sunday afternoon (at 4pm). 

We will meet in E37 and swarm out into the Spektrum Labs for the ensuing jam.     

To participate, register for the WueCampus course "Games Project-Workshop" and join the group WBCX Game Jam 2025.     

Motivation for the Technology Stack:

WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communications) is a technology and a set of APIs that enable real-time communication, including audio, video, and data exchange, directly between web browsers and applications. WebXR enables VR and AR experiences through web browsers. All that is required is JavaScript, CSS, and HTML, as well as one of the most common browsers (Chrome, Edge, Opera, etc.).

With latencies in local networks in the order of milliseconds, WebXR coupled with WebRTC provide a powerful technological foundation for collaborative environments and as multiplayer games. Additionally, web applications don't require any additional installation on users' devices, while still providing a user experience similar to native applications --- and if need be, it's still possible to develop native application that can interact with web applications.

The Introductory Unit and Hands-On Workshop will conver: 

• WebRTC fundamentals + application,
• WebRX fundamentals + application,
• Streaming generic data, video and audio between two web applications,
• Creating an immersive AR,
• Sharing a virtual environment.

PS: Documented participation in this game jam contributes to the portfolio assessment for the new Game Project Workshop module!