It’s that time of year again where tickets for the greatest game-jam-on-a-train go on sale! The 2016 Train Jam will take place starting at 10am March 10, 2016 until 4pm March 12, 2016 – as always, starting from Chicago’s Union Station and ending in Emeryville, California.
Tickets will be available for purchase here starting on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at 9:00pm Central European Time. Based on trends from the last two years of Train Jam, expect tickets to sell out fast!
Prices
Just as in previous years, this year’s Train Jam will feature two different ticket levels:
- Coach Class Tickets are priced at $170USD and will feature a seat on the train and access to all Train Jam amenities. Every seat features a reclining seat, a fold-down tray, and an electrical outlet – and is where you will sleep during the event.
- Superliner Roomette Tickets are priced at $390USD and feature a bed in a shared two person room. Each Sleeper Car ticket also includes meals in the restaurant car, access to a shower, electrical outlets, and access to all Train Jam amenities.
Prices have increased from last year, especially the Superliner Roomette tickets, as I can no longer personally subsidize those tickets as has been done in the past. This, combined with increasing costs internally have led to the prices reflected above.
Student Ambassador Program
The Student Ambassador Program is an initiative by Train Jam to work with universities to provide their students with tickets for Train Jam and expo passes to GDC and will be returning for its second year. Last year, we had nine universities represented from around the world, and we hope to expand those numbers for this year.
In addition to working with the universities to get students on Train Jam, Student participating in the Ambassador Program will have opportunities to meet and work with mentors during the jam, itself. Mentors will be fellow participants in the jam who have volunteered some of their time to helping and guiding students through the jam and answer questions about the games industry.
To have your university considered for the Student Ambassador Program, please contact students@trainjam.com.
Observation Car
One of the most exciting additions to next year’s Train Jam will be our own, private observation car sponsored by PlayStation! As many past jammers know, the observation car is usually the most popular place to set up and work. The big windows, tables, and ample access to power outlets are an attractive setup for working away while still being able to see the sites of the California Zephyr line. All participants of Train Jam will have access to this private observation car to use throughout the entirety of the jam as well as any sponsor provided amenities within the observation car!
GDC Display
Thanks to the combined efforts of GDC and Intel, we will have space and computers for participants to show off their Train Jam creation at GDC. Every Train Jam participant will have the opportunity to be a part of the Train Jam display where they can present their creations to the attendees of GDC.
Sponsors
Train Jam would not be possible without the many sponsors who help us make this the amazing jam that it is. The Train Jam organizers would like to thank the following companies for their support:
Devolver Digital, Epic Games, Gameport, GDC, Intel, Karma WiFi, PlayStation, and YoYo Games!
If your company is interested in sponsoring Train Jam, please email info@trainjam.com