The jam effect
Game jams are awesome. If you like to make games there’s a good chance that you have been to one. And if you haven’t, you’re missing out, come join the fun.
Apart from allowing oneself to experiment with new ideas and to flex all those itchy game making muscles, a jam brings people with a shared passion together in a creation driven environment. It can spawn good chats, great ideas, collaborations or even friendships. It seems struggling together can bring people closer, go figure.
Generalising, I would say jams create the right context. Being surrounded by people that inspire and teach us, and being able to inspire and share ideas and knowledge with others, is a wonderful feeling. And we should be doing more of it.
Surround yourself with people that inspire you, visit the places that draw your curiosity, and make and share things you love!