Robert Gordon University

Jamming Game Jams: A Discussion of Research-Through-Game-Jam-Design

GARDNER, D.L., KIRMAN, B., BATES, O., MUNIR, V. and BROWN, J.N. 2026. Jamming games jams: a discussion of research-through-game-jam-design. In Buruk, O., Cmentowski, S., Klarkowski, M. et al. (eds.)

• Game jams are increasingly being utilized as formal research-through-design methods to generate knowledge, foster community, and study participant decision-making beyond traditional survey-based data collection.
• Researchers are testing specialized jam structures, such as 'Documentation Jams' that record design progress or 'Crime Scene Jams' where facilitators interrupt participants to capture evidence of their design process.
• The 'Least Game, Jam' model encourages participants to create minimal game units to explore the core understanding of specific topics, while 'Paratext Jams' focus on creating supplementary materials to generate 'gaming capital' for non-existent games.