GameJam 2011 Checklist!

You just remembered the STL/Global Game Jam is tomorrow, and you’re scrambling to get everything together to make sure you rock everyone’s proverbial socks off. (Thanks to the Mythbusters, we also know this is entirely feasible in a non-proverbial sense as well.)  Well you’re in luck, because we decided to go ahead and post a little game jam checklist for you to make sure you have all those ducks in a row.

WHAT TO BRING:

  • Directions to Webster or a phone with GPS (so you don’t get lost on the way)
  • Wes’ phone number (636) 675-0537. Call it if you get lost or need anything.
  • Cash money (many meals will be provided, but not all, and you’ll probably want to go in together with some people)
  • Laptop (if possible)
    • Don’t forget the power cord
    • You should have the most up to date sound/video drivers
    • And also legal copies of all the software you want to use!
      • This include IDEs, music and graphic editing programs like Photoshop
      • ALSO make sure you have any sample libraries, source, etc. that could be helpful
  • Wacom tablet (for artsy things – Don’t forget the pen!)
  • USB Thumbdrive(s)
  • Something to take pictures! (Nice phones are generally fine) + USB cable
  • PAPER PROTOTYPING KIT (esp. for those designing a BOARD GAME)
    • Cardstock / Index cards are a plus
    • Dice
    • Deck(s) of playing cards (to prototype with)
    • Some big sketch paper
    • Counters/Tokens (small glass beads, dice, etc.)

WHAT NOT TO BRING:

  • Worries
    • Depending on your level of tolerance, things might seem somewhat unorganized around here. I can confirm that you’re right! Just go with it. This is a relaxed weekend where the thrill of spontaneity is a large part of the what makes it special.
  • Desktop Computer
    • There are quad-core Windows boxes available
    • If you have some super-uber-game development setup that you HAVE to bring and can’t possibly work without it, then contact us and we can see if we can work something out.
  • Portable Gaming Systems (you simply won’t have time to play games. You’re making them!)
  • Alcohol (because we’re on a school campus and really don’t want to draw negative attention)
  • Weapons or drugs (for obvious reasons)
  • Pathogens – If you’re sick, please stay home. We love enthusiasm, but hate being ill more. Think of your fellow game jammers.

NOTE ON TOOLS:

Please don’t forget to bring whatever tools you use to make your games, be it software, hardware or tchotchke. The game jam is a very condensed production timeline, and we can let you know from experience it is NOT the place to try and learn a new piece of software.  If you don’t have copies of software you might be used to having at school (like Adobe or Autodesk), then download a student version or free trail of the software to your laptop that you can run for the weekend.

Good luck to everyone, and we’ll see you tomorrow!

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