For any developers that are heading out to GDC in 2017, there’s a unique game jam that’s worth experiencing: Train Jam. Now running for its 4th year, this game jam starts on an Amtrak train in Chicago on February 23rd, 2017, and over ~52 hours, game developers jam out games based on a particular theme as they travel across the country to San Francisco. This coming Train Jam promises to be a bellweather year as organizers Adriel Wallick and John Lindvay have officially teamed up with Amtrak and now have a train all to themselves. I imagine it was quite the sight for a random train traveler to just see a bunch of nerds on laptops making games, but no longer! This does mean that seat options have expanded greatly as they have the entire train that can be reserved. As well, more people will be able to obtain tickets than in previous years where spaces were very limited. Do note that tickets are still sure to go fast when they start selling on November 24th, so interested developers should sign up quickly when ticket sales open up.
Day 2: let's get this party started! Come check out this year's Train Jam games on the 3rd floor of Moscone West! pic.twitter.com/aVoPob41E3
— Train Jam (@IndieTrainJam) March 15, 2016
Games made during Train Jam will once again have a spot at GDC 2017 where attendees can play what these enterprising railriders have created. Do note that Train Jam is just a one-way train ticket from Chicago to San Francisco, so participants are required to find their way to Chicago, back from GDC, get a GDC pass, etc. And this is a train, so unless you get a room with a bed, hope you’re fine with sleeping in a chair. And there aren’t any showers, so yeah, it’s not for agoraphobes and those who demand a daily shower.
Still, pretty much everyone who talks about the experience has been a big fan, and there’s the opportunity for so many more people to check it out for the first time with the entire train being available. Any interested developers should keep their eyes peeled for ticket sales to begin on November 24th at 4:00 PM Central European Time, though qualifying developers can apply for diversity initiatives before then. And if you’re interested in seeing what previous creators have created, the 2016 Train Jam games (including some Android titles) are on itch.io, and the rest are on the Train Jam website.
