FAQ

What is a Game Jam?
The goal is to come together and rapidly prototype game designs (online, pervasive, tabletop, or other formats) and to inject new ideas to help grow the game industry and make educational climate information accessible to a range of audiences. Participants share a common theme and constraints and create a working prototype in a prescribed time (maximum of 48 hours). The brief time span is meant to help encourage creative thinking to result in small but innovative and experimental games.  The game will not be finished at the end of the game, but can be completed later.
What if I have never been part of a Game Jam?

Although having computer skills is helpful, coding and/or direct game design experience are not necessary. Designers, developers, artists and anyone is welcome to try their hand at making a game and learning more about climate changes. Even if you have no experience at all, you can still participate by contributing ideas, playtesting, and giving moral support to your team.  New jam categories allow for paper prototypes and even board games.

What will be expected of the satellite site?

Our goal is to have participants work in an inspiring environment and we need hosts to have internet and enough power strips to sustain the developers.  We want to make sure the developers are well fed and hydrated. For discussion:  Each site can charge a small fee or find sponsors.  The organizer must be a part of all email correspondence and participate in our planning process. You will need to secure a physical space for the duration of the jam to comfortably seat participants and have reliable Internet access (either wired or wireless) for all participants. A jam site does not require these items, but are niceties you might want to consider for your participants as well:

  • Access to all space and computing resources around the clock over the weekend. You can still hold a jam if you do not have 24-hour access to the space, but you should communicate the opening/closing hours to your participants well before the date.
  • Local IT support in case of problems with computers or internet connectivity.
  • Coffee and beverages & easy access to food.
  • Access to common game development tools and/or ability to download and install software. You might want to download this software onto machines or thumbdrives before jam date to ease the use of the networks at the beginning of the event. Also be aware of the resources many companies make available to jammers.
  • Security (safeguard against theft of belongings).
When will the Game Jam take place?

The Arctic Climate Game Jam will take place April 21-30 – site organizers should choose a 48 hour time period within those dates. Climate scientists will be available throughout the Game jam. Each site will also have climate educators and students available for mini-consultations and public feedback if needed.

What materials and technology should I have at my game jam site?

Your materials needs will vary depending on your specific audience, number of participants, and site facilities. The following is a suggested list of materials that you might find helpful at your jam:

  • Nametags for participants
  • Pens, pencils, markers
  • Paper (white, construction, large format, etc)
  • Small sticky pads
  • Large sticky pads
  • Dry erase boards and markers
  • Art supplies (if you have having participants create paper prototypes)

Suggested technology on-site:

  • A digital projector (and dongles for different computers)
  • Audio amplification (microphones, speakers for computers)
  • Powerstrips for laptops
What are the prizes?

Each site should select a People’s Choice at the end of that site’s jam.  Teams can submit a 2-minute video with links and information completed in a Google form for consideration and selection for additional recognition.