Cultural Game Jams: Inclusive, pluriversal, and transversal design approaches in game jams

This paper explores Cultural Game Jams (CGJs) developed in the Horizon Europe EPIC-WE project (2023-2026) as participatory, youth-driven spaces for co-creation of cultural games. CGJs bring together youth, cultural institutions, and creative professionals to reimagine cultural heritage through inclusive, pluriversal, and transversal design approaches. Across five Aarhus-based CGJs, the format evolved from high-pressure jam models to slower, carefocused, and youth-led processes. The EPIC-WE Youth Advisory Boards were key in reshaping pacing, tools, and participation. Rather than emphasizing outcomes, CGJs centred
relational practices, collective authorship, and cultural imagination, transforming the game jams into co-owned spaces for empowered participation and cultural co-creation.