Games & Game Jams
Over 20 years of game education, development, and community building. Created New Zealand's first university-level game development courses in 2004. Recipient of the Pioneers of Play award at NZGDC 2024. Global Game Jam Wellington site organiser.
Game Jams as Work Integrated Learning
Game jams are not just fun — they are a rigorous pedagogical approach combining teamwork, rapid prototyping, and creative problem-solving.
Work Integrated Learning at VUW
Victoria University of Wellington uses game jams as a core pedagogical approach in the Computer Graphics and Games major. Students form interdisciplinary teams and build complete games in 48 hours, simulating real industry crunch cycles while developing technical, creative, and collaborative skills.
This approach was first developed by Simon McCallum at Gjøvik University College in Norway in 2010, and has since been refined and embedded into the VUW curriculum as a formal work-integrated learning experience.
Read more at VUW ↗Global Game Jam Wellington
Organised by Simon McCallum. Part of the world's largest game jam event, bringing together developers, artists, designers, and students in Wellington each January.
GDG (Game Development Group) Student Jams
The Game Development Group is the VUW student club for game developers. These student-run jams complement the academic game jam programme and foster a vibrant game development community on campus.
Kiwi Game Jam Wellington
The Kiwi Game Jam is New Zealand's national game jam series. Simon McCallum has been involved in organising the Wellington site from 2016 to 2022.
Software & Apps
Applications and tools created by Simon McCallum and collaborators, spanning health, education, and civic technology.
Drismo
Driving quality mobile app. Monitors and provides feedback on driving behaviour to promote safer habits on the road.
GoRaD
Game of Reading and Discussion. Gamified reading comprehension and discussion platform for educational settings.
QRate
Question rating system. Helps educators evaluate and rank assessment questions for quality and difficulty calibration.
Covid Tracer
Contributed to the Ministry of Health Covid Tracing App used nationally during the pandemic response in New Zealand.
Sparky
Mobile mini-game designed for mental health support. Uses game mechanics to encourage positive emotional engagement.
Driftoff
An app designed to help users improve sleep quality through guided relaxation and calming interactive experiences.
Rural Health
Mental health AI support delivered via WhatsApp, providing accessible assistance to rural communities in New Zealand.
Coming Soon
New games and interactive experiences are in development. Watch this space for upcoming projects from Simon McCallum — including experimental games, AI-driven experiences, and more game jam creations.