Info
Have questions about The College of New Jersey’s Global Game Jam that aren’t answered here? Contact Professor Josh Fishburn, the site organizer, at fishburj@tcnj.edu.
How to Sign Up
Please fill out the brief survey linked here to register for TCNJ’s Global Game Jam. We have a registered site on the Global Game Jam website, where you will eventually create an account if you participate in the jam, but for now please use the survey.
What is the Global Game Jam?
The Global Game Jam is a worldwide, 48-hour game creation marathon. To participate, just show up and be ready to work with others to create a game on the theme (which is revealed at the beginning of the jam). It’s a great opportunity to make something quickly, experiment with a game idea, get feedback from fellow game-makers, and to experience a different way of working on a creative project.
When is the Global Game Jam?
Friday, January 26th 5:00 p.m. to Sunday, January 28 5:00 p.m.
Where is the Global Game Jam?
The College of New Jersey
Art & Interactive Multimedia Building, Room 202
2000 Pennington Road
Ewing, NJ 08628–0718
Google Maps
Apple Maps
Building Website with Directions
Parking
Lot 4 should have its gates raised for the weekend, and it’s the closest lot to the Art and Interactive Multimedia (AIMM) building. No permit needed. Here’s a map – lot 4 is in the middle, on the right side. Next to it, you’ll see a building labeled “Art & IMM Building”. That’s where we’ll be, room 202.
Building Access
Temporary access cards will be available for those who do not have TCNJ ID cards. See the organizer when you arrive to register for one of these.
FAQ
Here’s the official FAQ: https://globalgamejam.org/faq
Here are some more specific questions that you might wonder about:
Will there be food provided?
We will have snacks available, but it won’t be enough to sustain you for the weekend. You should bring a water bottle to refill and a plan for your meals. The AIMM building is close to Campus Town, which has several dining options and which are open during the day. AIMM building room 206 has a microwave and mini-fridge.
Do I have to stay the whole time?
While it’s best if you can dedicate the waking hours of your weekend to the event, you can work with your team to define a schedule and keep them informed of any time you need to miss.
What should I bring?
Any design/creative/programming tools that you need. That might mean a laptop, notebook, sketchbook, pencil, markers, etc.
What skills do I need?
Bring the skills you have! Writers, designers, artists, programmers and others interested in the craft of game design are welcome.
What kind of games can I make?
Videogames, board games, card games, and other types of games can be designed and built as part of the Global Game Jam.
Do I need to have a team figured out ahead of time?
Bring your friends, but you should not come with a specific idea of exactly who will be on your team. Part of the Global Game Jam experience is in forming teams based on the needs of the projects, and on what individuals are interested in working on. This means, usually, that you’ll end up working with some people that you don’t know.
What is the schedule?
Very rough schedule below (the Global Game Jam FAQ also has an example schedule: https://globalgamejam.org/faq)
Friday
5–6 p.m.: Showing of Global Game Jam Keynote and revealing the theme
6–7 p.m.: Brainstorming, game pitches, and team formation
Friday 7 p.m. – Midnight: Jam!
Saturday
9 a.m. – Midnight: Jam!
Sunday
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Jam! Games must be completed and uploaded to globalgamejam.org 3 p.m.
4 p.m.: Presentations
5 p.m.: End of Jam