In this edition of the “Testimonials” series, we interviewed Nicolas Silva, one of DEI’s participants in the Nordic Game Jam.

• Who are you?

I am Nicolas Silva, a student of Computer Science and Engineering at IST, Alameda, and I’m passionate about developing video games.

• Tell us about your experience at Nordic Game Jam 2026.

The event began with two days full of conferences on various areas related to games, from storytelling to systems programming, given by industry professionals. It was a very important learning moment, as we became aware of the paths taken by others who were once in our position and who have gone very far in the industry.

At the end of the second day, the theme of the game jam was announced, and we moved on to developing our game. Our team consisted of three students from Técnico and two from Fine Arts, and we faced several challenges during the process, such as defining the scope of the game, figuring out whether it would be possible to execute our vision in just two days. Because of this, we often had to cut parts of the project to ensure we delivered a polished product with minimal bugs.

By the final day, we released our game, followed by a showcase where all 600 participants gathered in the main hall to try out the games created during the jam. For me, this was the best part of the experience, because seeing so many people excitedly playing our game is an incredible feeling, and it shows me that I truly want to make this my everyday work. Not to mention all the games I tried during the showcase, through which I found many ideas and inspirations for my future projects.

That said, I learned a lot during the event. Nordic Game Jam 2026 was not just a test of our ability to create under pressure, but a confirmation of my passion for video game development. It was a transformative experience that gave me certainty that this is the professional path I want to follow.

• What was the biggest “lesson” you took from your adventure?

Communication. On one hand, I had conversations with many people at the event, through which I learned a lot about the industry and about Denmark itself (where the event took place). On the other hand, I had essential conversations with my team during the jam, where I learned a lot about how to present my ideas to my colleagues in the best way. By trying to be creative collaboratively, I had to express my vision in detail so that they could critique it and assess whether it was a good idea.

• What advice do you have for colleagues who want to embark on an adventure like this?

Stay motivated, talk a lot, and don’t be afraid to speak with anyone. The environment is incredible and very open! There’s no need to worry too much about deadlines; we’re all there to learn. And above all, have fun!

(image: Nicolas Silva)