Defeat the Monsters: Illustrations Capturing the Spirit of Global Game Jam Macau

Bringing the Excitement and Challenges of Game Development to Life

Global Game Jam is a gathering of developers from around the world who come together to plan, design, and create games within a short span of time. Peggy Cheang's illustrations were born out of observing the participants' journey and the obstacles they face. Each monster character represents a specific challenge encountered during the event, providing a visual narrative of the participants' struggles and determination.

The illustrations aim to convey the excitement and fun side of Global Game Jam Macau to a wider audience. They showcase the participants' hard work and dedication to game development. Each illustration features a jelly jar, symbolizing the essence of "Game Jamming" and adding a touch of whimsy to the artwork.

Created using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, the illustrations come in various dimensions to suit different occasions. Additionally, an animated video was produced using Adobe After Effects, bringing the characters to life in high-definition.

These illustrations not only capture the essence of Global Game Jam Macau but also serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring game developers. Each character design represents a specific challenge faced by participants, including the fear of expressing oneself, dealing with copycats, conflicts, boundaries on creativity, exhaustion, and time constraints.

The project, which started in January 2017 and concluded in January 2019, was a labor of love for Peggy Cheang. Extensive research was conducted to ensure the characters and colors used in the illustrations were festive and unique. While there were no previous references in Macau, the international Global Game Jam events provided valuable insights for the development of the character designs.

Peggy Cheang's illustrations for Global Game Jam Macau have garnered recognition and acclaim. In 2020, the project was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design. This prestigious accolade acknowledges the outstanding creativity and ingenuity displayed in the illustrations, which contribute to improving the quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

Through her illustrations, Peggy Cheang has successfully captured the essence of Global Game Jam Macau, showcasing the dedication and passion of its participants. These illustrations serve as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and the joy of game development.