sunlit1688 Garena Online (Thailand) in collaboration with the College of Creative Design and Entertainment Technology, Dhurakij Pundit University ( DPU), is hosting the first “Garena Game Jam” project to develop a new generation of game developers, providing a platform for showcasing game creation ideas and supporting Thai game developers to further their careers. The event will involve creating a real game in 47 hours, with a total prize pool of 65,000 baht sunlit1688

According to Kasikorn Research Center (K-research), the Thai gaming market is expected to reach 36.1 billion baht in 2025, a 1.6 percent increase from 2024. This growth is driven by the increasing number of gamers, the launch of new games, and the stimulation of spending by game providers. However, Thai game developers only account for 2 percent of the total gaming market value, with a significant factor being the shortage of personnel.

Mr. Phawisporn Chiaraprasert, Senior Manager of Garena Online (Thailand) Co., Ltd., revealed, “As a leading online game developer and service provider, Garena Online (Thailand) recognizes the importance of building a strong game development ecosystem in Thailand, particularly in terms of human resource development and the potential for growth in the Thai game market. Therefore, we have collaborated with the College of Creative Design and Entertainment Technology, Dhurakij Pundit University, to organize the first-ever Garena Game Jam. This project provides a platform for students, independent game developers, and small game studios, a key driving force in the Thai game industry, to showcase their potential and skills in game development. They also have the opportunity to meet industry experts. This initiative also promotes game development as a key component of Thailand’s digital economy and creative industries, creating a platform for seizing new opportunities to expand career paths, pursue business strategies, and grow internationally.”

The first Garena Game Jam 2025 opened up opportunities for youth and the general public aged 15 and above who are interested in game development to apply by submitting their portfolios for selection. In May, over 50 teams applied, and the 20 shortlisted teams participated in Garena Game Jam Day , held from June 20th to 22nd, 2025, at Makerspace, Learning Center and Library, Dhurakij Pundit University. The teams developed their games under the supervision and guidance of mentors. Each team was tasked with developing a new game on their own within 47 hours, based on a specified theme and diversifiers. They also met and interacted with Garena staff from both Thailand and abroad, including professors specializing in game development from Dhurakij Pundit University. They also had the opportunity to exchange experiences with fellow “jammers,” or new friends who share their passion for game creation.

The 20 finalist teams of “Jammers” were given the task of developing a game under the theme “One More Run: Request Another Eye.” The newly developed game must be a mobile game and must incorporate at least three Diversifiers into the game’s design and development in its own unique style. The judging criteria for the award are based on game mechanics and player experience, creativity and innovation, and appropriate and beautiful visual design.

The winner is Team ExzureXR with their RPS.Street project, receiving 25,000 baht in prize money.

The first runner-up prize goes to Team ScopeBreaker for their work Froggy Bonk! and they will receive 15,000 baht.

Second runner-up : Team Linchee for VividTown, receiving 10,000 baht.

The Best Gameplay Mechanics award goes to the team Samno Compile Taek for their work Run 4 Blood, receiving 5,000 baht in prize money.

The Most Creative Interpretation award went to the Green Snake Team for their work DoomScroll, receiving 5,000 baht in prize money.

The Garena Team Favorite Award goes to Team ANERAG for their work Floravell , receiving 5,000 baht in prize money.

In addition to participating in intensive game development, every team that was able to develop and submit a completed game within the specified time frame received a certificate from Garena Online (Thailand) and Dhurakij Pundit University. They also got to listen to experiences from experts in the gaming industry, including Mr. Natthachai Nampacharoen, Strategy Team Lead from Garena Online (Thailand) Co., Ltd. , and Assistant Professor Banyapon Poolsawat, Deputy Dean of the College of Creative Design and Entertainment Technology, Dhurakij Pundit University, who shared their experiences and provided advice to the jammers, as well as serving as a judge.

The Garena Game Jam 2025 project is part of building a strong game development ecosystem in Thailand. This initiative provides youth and emerging developers with a platform to showcase their potential and embark on a tangible career path in the gaming industry. This initiative promotes innovation and creativity, helping to propel the Thai gaming industry towards sustainable international competition (sunlit1688)