Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/244624
39 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 19 JANUARY 2014 THIS WEEK THIS WEEK Artisan farm opens its doors in Dingli next weekend NEXT weekend will see the launch of a pioneering new project in Dingli, Diar il-Bniet, the first agritourism experience of its kind in Malta. Centred around a café, restaurant and grocery, Diar il-Bniet will provide an exciting platform for Malta's finest produce to be sold straight from the farm, in an environment that celebrates the family tradition that encompasses farming in Malta. While the project has already attracted vaunted interest and investment, Diar il-Bniet is keen to retain the rustic charm that makes it such a special and rare place. The site overlooks a shallow valley on the outskirts of Dingli, where one family has tended the land for generations, but only recently, with the advent of agritourism in Malta, has it become a viable option for the farm to open its doors to the public. The result is a beautiful example of Maltese artisan labour presented through a rustic, traditional and appealing medium. Amongst the food that the farm produces, Diar il-Bniet boasts olive oil that would have the finest chefs from around the world curl- University of Malta to host Malta Global Game Jam 2014 Maltese chapter joins worldwide event challenging participants to create video games in just 48 hours THE University of Malta will for the first time host the Malta Global Game Jam at the Institute of Digital Games, during January 24-26. The event is part of the annual Global Game Jam, an event held simultaneously worldwide that brings together creative individuals to create innovative games in just 48 hours. Teams are formed on the spot and analog and digital games are developed based on a common theme announced globally at the beginning of the jam. The Maltese chapter of the event will help setting a new attendance record, with more than 17,000 jammers expected worldwide. The event will kicks off with a keynote on Thursday, January 23 at the Valletta campus by USbased game developer Patricia Pizer, who will also be participating in the jam. A veteran of game design who has worked at major companies like Harmonix, Disney, THQ and Ubisoft, Pizer will talk about 'The Power of Making Things', advising the audience on how to make the most of the Game Jam. The talk is a free public event funded by Malta Enterprise. On Friday afternoon, participants will meet for the main event at the Institute of Digital Games on the main university campus, where they will form teams and work together to make a game within 48 hours. The jam is a kind of game design picnic focusing on fun, creativity and networking, but there is a serious side as well. Teams will compete to create the best game of the jam as judged by Maltese educa- tors, local game industry professionals and a popular vote. Completed games will be distributed to players around the world via the Global Game Jam network. Jammers will also be treated to a series of micro-talks delivered by Maltese game industry professionals who will also be participating in the jam, including Neville Attard of Software Prodigy, Stephen Caruana of PixieSoftware, Alan Duca of 5¼ Games, Ryan Sammut of Barbagann Games and Gordon Calleja, game designer at Mighty Box Games and Director of the Institute of Digital Games. Registration is at €30 and places are strictly limited. For more information, log on to maltagamejam.com ing their toes. A Maltese staple that has recently attracted interest from names such as Jamie Oliver, the launch of this project is happening at a time where Maltese cuisine is arguably taking its place at the global table. With the involvement of young and dynamic agencies such as Archi+ and Steves&Co., the Farm Shop is sure to cause quite a stir on the gastro-cultural scene, both in Malta and abroad.