Microsoft begins world record game jam attempt

Microsoft has begun its world record attempt at the largest development game jam in a single location.

In association with Train2Game, students will spend 48 hours creating ‘Metro’ style games for windows 8 using Visual Studio development tools made specifically for the OS.

The even is taking place at the University of Bedfordshire and Microsoft’s target is to attract more than 300 participants.

Successfuly completed games may be become available through the Windows Store upon the release of Windows 8. The event will be adjudicated by representatives from the Guiness Book of World Records.

Industry figures set to attend the even and provide support to students include Rebellion founder Jason Kingsley, Ubisoft’s Craig Lawson, Microsoft Xbox’s Scott Henson and Tiga director of business education interaction Carsten Maple.

“We are incredibly excited to see how these talented young developers and designers fare over the next two days,” said Microsoft UK developer and platform group senior director Anand Krishnan.

“These students represent the future of the gaming industry.”

Train2Game course director Myra Smallman added: "We’re pleased the day is finally here, the students are almost as excited as the games makers we have sourced to attend.

"We’re all looking forward to a stressful, creative, tiring and ultimately rewarding 48hr Gameathon. We can’t wait to see ourselves in the record books."