MCAST’s Institute of Information and Communication Technology (IICT) hosted the Malta Unity Game Jam, bringing together 50 participants for a three‑day collaborative game development challenge. This year’s edition marked a notable milestone, as it was organised directly in collaboration with Unity Technologies, making the event even more significant for the local game‑development community.

The event, held from 27 to 29 March at the MCAST Paola campus, was organised in collaboration with GamingMalta. It brought together participants from diverse educational backgrounds and institutions, who worked in teams to design and develop playable game prototypes under tight time constraints.  By the end of the weekend, 11 games had been developed, each expressing a different creative approach to the same challenge. Participants were able to test each other’s work, giving insight into how teams tackled design, mechanics and storytelling in different ways.

Team Big Whale won with Couch Calcio, followed by Team Coffee Before Logic and Team Bilbo. Team Bingus INC and Team Yellow also received recognition.

The Game Jam was part of MCAST’s ongoing efforts to offer students practical, industry-focused learning experiences. During the event, participants were supported by mentors and exposed to workflows like those used in professional game development.

Mr Conrad Vassallo, Director at the Institute of Information and Communication Technology (IICT), said the initiative reflects MCAST’s approach to applied learning.

“At MCAST, we place strong emphasis on giving students opportunities to apply what they learn in real settings. The Unity Game Jam allows participants to experience the pace and expectations of the industry while developing essential skills for their future careers. I am sure that this will be one of the unforgettable experiences our prospective graduates will continue to cherish.”

The event also forms part of GamingMalta’s Unity Centre of Excellence programme, which intends to expand access to industry-relevant tools and training. For many students already using Unity in their studies, the Game Jam provided an opportunity to build on their existing understanding in a practical setting.