What happens when game design meets cultural heritage in a creative, collaborative space? At EPIC-WE, we believe the magic lies in the making—and few people understand this better than Annakaisa Kultima. Scholar in Game Studies, long-time game jam organiser, and one of the members of the EPIC-WE Advisory Board. Annakaisa’s active involvement in the world of game jams spans more than 60 events, across roles ranging from participant, creator, judge to lead organiser. Her academic research and practical experience come together in a distinct approach—one that is informing how EPIC-WE envisions and designs spaces for creativity, learning, and cultural exploration.
Want to dive deeper into Annakaisa’s reflections from our capacity building sessions?
Check out her intervention here.
A living culture of game jams
“One of my first rules for organising a game jam,” Annakaisa shares, “is to understand the local culture of game jams. Expectations vary depending on history, geography, and who’s participating. This flexible, culturally sensitive mindset is essential when working with diverse audiences across Europe. EPIC-WE’s mission is to empower youth to explore European values and cultural heritage through games. But as Annakaisa notes, there’s no one-size-fits-all model—especially when it comes to cultural game jams.
Game jams, she explains, are “a living culture,” constantly evolving across contexts. Whether it’s a 10-minute jam or a 3-day one, what sets it apart does not lie in the format—but in the shared experience of creative collaboration. Some jams are competitive, some are reflective, some prioritise polished products, others focus on the learning process. In cultural contexts, especially, adaptation is key.
Managing expectations through process
Game jams often attract interest from institutions—such as NGOs, museums, or cultural organisations—looking to explore important topics through games, from health to heritage. These collaborations can be powerful—but only when there’s clarity about their purpose and the motivations behind them.
As Annakaisa points out, it’s crucial to align expectations from the start. “Are we aiming for polished, playable games—or are we creating a space for participatory design, where learning and engagement come first?” For EPIC-WE, this distinction is essential. Our focus is on creating a rich, inclusive process. One that empowers young people, brings together diverse perspectives, and invites open-ended explorations of complex themes. Annakaisa encourages organisers to embrace this mindset. Defining the goal of a game jam—whether it’s dialogue, experimentation, or cultural awareness—helps participants to feel safe, valued, and inspired. In that space, the most meaningful outcomes often emerge: not just games, but growth.
Creativity needs care
So how do you design a jam that fosters creativity, safety, and agency?
Annakaisa advocates for non-competitive environments. “Collaboration beats competition,” she says. “Participants are often anxious on day one. If you create a space where helping each other is the norm, creativity flourishes.” One simple but powerful practice is mid-jam presentations. These low-pressure checkpoints allow participants to share progress—no matter how messy—encouraging feedback, transparency, and peer learning. The result? A deeper sense of community, and more confident, empowered creators.
Game-making is for everyone
A core belief in Annakaisa’s work is that anyone can contribute to game-making—no matter their background or skillset. Whether you are a poet, historian, or teenager with no coding experience, accessible tools like Bitsy or Twine allow anyone to jump in and create. “There’s still a myth that you need a programmer and an artist to make a game,” she says. “It’s just not true anymore. Game creation is a powerful, democratic medium—and the barriers to entry are lower than ever.” This insight aligns perfectly with EPIC-WE’s goal to make cultural participation more inclusive and accessible. By opening up game jams to youth from all disciplines and walks of life, we’re not just making games—we’re making space for young people to shape and experiment with the cultural conversations they care about.
Final thoughts
As a member of EPIC-WE’s Advisory Board, Annakaisa Kultima brings both depth of knowledge and a strong academic background as well as practical insights to the project. Her reflections challenge us to think more intentionally about how we design for inclusion, creativity, and cultural relevance. Her advice is clear:
- Know your local context.
- Don’t focus only on the game—focus on the people.
- Keep it ethical. Keep it open. Keep it human.
Whether you’re a cultural practitioner, a game designer, or an educator looking to connect with youth in new ways, the EPIC-WE model—shaped by voices like Annakaisa’s—offers a powerful toolkit for creative cultural participation.
“The game doesn’t have to be perfect,” she says. “The impact lies in the experience—the collaboration, the conversation, the connection.”
