Jam FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Dawson Jams

What’s the theme?

The theme for a game jam is announced at the beginning of the jam. Your mission is to make a game that incorporates this theme in an inventive way.

Can I sleep on-site?

You cannot sleep at the jam site. This is not because we don’t love you; it’s Dawson’s policy. If security sees you asleep, they will wake you up or send you home. Bring a pillow for comfort, but go home to your comfy bed when you’re tired.

Do I need to bring food?

We will be providing small meals and snacks. If you need something more substantial, there are many great restaurants and take-out places around Dawson. There’s even a grocery store across the street in Alexis Nihon Plaza.

Do I need to bring a team or can I sign up alone?

You can sign up with a team already formed, but you can also come solo and join a team while you’re here; we’ll have a team building session to help facilitate this. If you’re up to the challenge, you can also make a game by yourself, but we recommend trying to work with some new team members as it makes the jam a lot more fun! We also ask people who have formed their team before the event to consider adding a first-time jammer to the mix. If you have a team but are missing someone with a particular skill set, don’t worry, you will meet that person at the jam!

How many people per team?

There is no required number, but we highly recommend you stick to a maximum of 3. Anything above that can be problematic.

I have a team and a game idea. Can I start now?

The rules for game jams are as follows:

  1. You are not allowed to bring in any existing content. All assets of your game must be original, made from the start of the jam.
  2. You may use a pre-existing library, however, and if you do not have a sound person on the team, generally it is okay to include pre-existing sounds which you have the rights to use.
  3. You can prepare a high level concept or game design document (if the theme is announced before the jam).

I’m not available for the entire jam, can I still participate?

In order to participate in the jam, you must be available for the entire two or three days. You can drop in and see how things are going, but please do not disturb participant’s workflow.

I don't have a laptop. Can I bring my desktop?

You may, but only if you arrange this with us ahead of time. Please email Shawn Bell at sbell@dawsoncollege.qc.ca.


Last Modified: June 22, 2015