General
What is Train Jam?
Train Jam is a collection of developers traveling via train to the Game Developers Conference and creating games during the ~52 hours it takes to arrive in San Francisco from Chicago.
Who is organizing Train Jam?
Adriel Wallick is an independent game developer and the founder of Train Jam. In 2013 she traveled from Boston to Seattle via Amtrak’s Empire Builder to attend PAX Prime and decided that it would be super fun to jam on a train across country with her fellow game developers.
John Lindvay is a Producer for Darkest Dungeon. He joined the Train Jam team in 2015 and has been heading up our Student Program ever since!
When is Train Jam coming back?
Train Jam has been on hiatus since 2020 due to concerns around Covid-19. We’re keeping our eye on case numbers, vaccination rates, and transmission concerns, and will make an announcement if and when we determine that it is safe enough to resume Train Jam as an event. We have decided not to hold Train Jam in 2020, 2021, or 2022 so far.
Logistics
How does this work?
As in a non-train game jam, there will be a theme announced at the beginning and participants will have 52 hours to form teams, conceptualize an idea, and create a game.
As far as the train ride goes, we will arrange all of the train-related logistics. You simply have to meet the group in Chicago’s Union Station where we will all get on a train and start jamming!
We will have a non-mandatory pre-jam get together the day before the train leaves, where attendees will be able to pick up their information packet and mingle with their fellow jammers.
After the jam is over, we will have a Train Jam booth space available on the expo floor of GDC where all of the games created during Train Jam will be displayed.
GDC Showcase?
GDC generously provides us with space to show off the games created during Train Jam. As a participant of Train Jam, the games that you submit after the jam will be available for all attendees of GDC to play throughout the week of the conference! Purchase of a Train Jam ticket does not include a ticket to GDC, and access to GDC is not required to have your game available at the GDC showcase.
I’m not a programmer, can I still attend Train Jam?
ABSOLUTELY! Everyone from a producer, writer, director, artist, programmer, musician, hobbyiest, seasoned professional, someone who has never made a game, and everyone in-between is welcome on Train Jam. Train Jam is non-competitive and is open to all skill levels and skill sets.
Is there an age restriction to attend Train Jam?
Yes. Unfortunately, due to liability reasons, Train Jam attendees must be 18 years old or older, as outlined in our Terms of Service.
What are the pre-Train Jam activities?
Though the train doesn’t leave Chicago until Thursday March 12, we will have a space available on Wednesday March 11 for participants to hang out, meet other Tain Jammers, and pick up their info packet. No one is required to come to the Wednesday event, but it is a great place to start meeting other folks who will be on the train with you for the next 52 hours! Please note that even if you pick up your info packet on Wednesday, you will need to check back in with us Thursday morning before the train leaves!
Okay…What IS a Game Jam?
A game jam is a gathering of developers who get together to design and create a game within a short span of time. For a more in-depth explanation, check out the Wikipedia page.
How much will this cost me?
We work hard to make Train Jam as affordable as possible. For the 2019 Train Jam event, the prices are as follows:
Individual coach class $220USD: These tickets do not include meals or beds – simply a seat on the train.
Superliner Roomettes $500 per bed: This ticket includes one bed in a Superliner Roomette room. These rooms fit two adults and include meals in the restaurant car, as well as access to showers and other such pleasurable amenities.
Family Bedrooms $585USD per bed: This ticket includes one bed in a Family room. These rooms fit two adults and include meals in the restaurant car, as well as access to showers and other such pleasurable amenities. These are much more spacious than the Superliner Roomettes, so you’ll have a bit more wiggle room!
Deluxe Bedrooms $760USD per bed: This ticket includes one bed in a Deluxe bedroom. These rooms fit two adults and include meals in the restaurant car, as well as a private shower and bathroom.
Accessible Bedrooms: (Please inquire for options) These rooms fit two adults and include meals in the restaurant car, as well as an in-room wheelchair accessible shower and toilet. There is ample space in the room to fit a wheelchair. Together with The AbleGamers Charity, we have been able to cover the costs of the accessible rooms during Train Jam. For information on reserving one of these rooms, please reach out to us at info[at]trainjam[dot]com.
All bedroom prices are PER PERSON, and we will work with all attendees to ensure that everyone is comfortable with their roommate.
All tickets include all sponsor provided jam amenities including a pre-jam breakfast, snacks, coffee, and the opportunity to showcase your jam game at GDC.
Please note that tickets will be NON-REFUNDABLE.
Accessibility
Are there wheelchair accessible rooms available?
The California Zephyr train has a number of wheelchair accessible rooms, which have space for a wheeled mobility device, as well a wheelchair accessible in-room shower and toilet. The accessible bedrooms are on the bottom floor of the two-level sleeper cars, which means that wheelchair users will only be able to move to other cars of the train during station stops along the route. Please refer to the schedule to see the accessibility of each station along the route of the California Zephyr. Please note that Train Jam does not stop at every station on the schedule, but we can work with you and Amtrak directly to ensure that we give ample opportunity to switch cars during the journey.
Please reach out to info[at]trainjam[dot]com in you require one of the accessible rooms.
Are there sign language interpreters available?
We can provide an ASL interpreter on request. If you require a non-ASL interpreter, we will work with you to find a suitable interpreter.
Are there quiet spaces on the train?
Though the train can be crowded, busy, and overstimulating at times, we encourage everyone to keep loud conversations in the Observation Car as opposed to the Coach Class area or the Sleeper Car area. We will also work with Amtrak to have one empty Superliner Roomette available for people who need to take a break in a quiet place.
If you have purchased a ticket for one of the sleeper rooms (Superliner Roomette, Deluxe Room, Family Room, Accessible Room), we will work with you to ensure that your roommate during Train Jam also needs/prefers quiet spaces. Every room has a door and curtains, so you can block out the surrounding visual and auditory stimulation.
I have a question about the accessibility of the train not addressed here.
Here is a link to Amtrak’s accessibility services. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact Amtrak directly, or email us at info[at]trainjam[dot]com to ask the Train Jam organizers. We will work directly with you and Amtrak to ensure that your questions are answered and see how we can improve the accessibility of Train Jam.
The Train
What about food?
The California Zephyr includes a sit-down dining car that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner (this food is NOT included in the Coach Class tickets, but IS included in the price of all bedroom tickets).
Snacks and drinks from the cafe car are generously provided by out sponsors, and options can be viewed here. Note that these menus are subject to change.
If you have specific dietary restrictions, please contact me so that we can work through our options. We work closely with Amtrak to provide meal options for dietary needs and restrictions.
What about the return trip?
You will be responsible for figuring out your own way home. Train Jam is only for the trip out there.
What about Wi-Fi?
There is no Wi-Fi offered on the California Zephyr. Because we are traveling through many remote areas in the United States, there will be extremely limited access to any internet, including cellular data. Keep this in mind when preparing for Train Jam (e.g. save as much documentation as you can to use offline, download your tools before hand, etc).
Uhhh…What about hygiene?
There are no showers included with the coach class tickets. There are plenty of bathrooms where you can take a pseudo-shower (i.e. wash your face, brush your teeth, and possibly rub some wet wipes all over your body).
But… if you order a coach class ticket, be prepared to be a teeeeeny tiny bit smelly upon your arrival in San Francisco. Don’t worry though, we’ll all be in the same boat (errr. . . .train?).
How do I sleep on a train?
It may not be the most comfortable thing in the world, but it can be done. With a coach class ticket, you will have access to a single reclining chair to sleep in. These chairs are fairly spacious, recline quite far, have a decent amount of leg room, and have foot rests as well.
All bedroom tickets have fold out beds that will make your sleeping experience just a tiny bit better!