Essentials
To participate in the 2012 Philly Game Jam: Digital Jam you will need:

• A team of 3 to 8 people; max of 10 teams
• $70 for the team registration fee
• 2012 DIGITAL JAM IS SOLD OUT REGISTRATION CLOSES JUNE 13 (registration will close on June 13 or when capacity is reached — whichever comes first)
• A computer to work on — the Philly Game Jam is BYOT – Bring Your Own Technology
• Desire to have fun and make great games!
• Note: Individuals and teams will not be permitted to participate in both the Digital and the Analog Jam so be sure to choose wisely!

Guidelines

• 2012 DIGITAL JAM IS SOLD OUT Team liasion must register online
• Teams must be registered by Wednesday, June 13 (registration will close on June 13 or when capacity is reached — whichever comes first)
• Total team fee is $70 – that’s per TEAM, not per person
• Registration includes access to the Too Many Games Expo
• Contest begins at 6:00 PM ET on Friday, June 15, and ends 48 hours later on Sunday, June 17
• Teams must have no fewer than 3 people and no more than 8 people
• The event is BYOT (bring your own tech). In other words, if you have a portable mocap lab that you want to bring to the event, BRING IT!
• To get credit for completing the event, you must submit a working game by the end of the event (48 hours)
  • A “working game” means that the game is playable so its mechanics can be clearly demonstrated
  • The game does not have to be a complete polished product
• All source code and rights are retained by whoever created the game. We ask that if you participate, you allow us to offer screenshots and a playable version of game for free download on the Philly Game Jam web site.
• All games should be based, however loosely, on the theme announced at the start of the contest.
• While this is a competition, we encourage students, hobbyists, and professionals to participate.
• All work is to be done on site. People can leave the premises if they need to, but we ask that you do all the game development on site.
• Team members should bring sleeping bags. We will provide a large open space with tables, powers supplies, and room that members can throw down a sleeping bag and grab a nap during the course of the 48-hour event. Better yet, we suggest you take advantage of the discounted room rates at nearby hotels for a nearby place to crash and shower.
• We hope to have water and snack food on hand, but teams will be responsible for their own meals.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a cost of entry?
A: Yes. We are doing $70 a team to help cover costs.

Q: Does entry into the game jam = entry into the expo?
A: Yup!

Q: Does my PGJ team registration fee include access to the Minibosses Too Many Games After Party?
A: No. The after party is limited to the folks who purchase Too Many Games’ Final Boss 3-Day Pass.

Q: Do we need to pre-register teams? What’s the team size?
A: Yes. The minimum team size is 3 with a max of 8 people.

Q: Is there an expected cap on the number of teams registering? How soon should we register?
A: We will be capping the numbers of teams at 10.  There will be no on-site team sign-ups.

Q: Are we working in the same space as 2011?
A: We will be in the same building with the same event (Too Many Games), but it is not known yet where will be. Plan as though we will have the same accommodations as last year (so bring your pillows, blankets, table cloths, blind folds, ear plugs, headphones, air mattresses, refrigerators, power strips, etc) and bring whatever you feel you will need to be comfortable for the duration of the event.

Q: Are people able to leave/re-enter whenever they like?
A: Yup!

Q: What time does it start on Friday and end on Sunday?
A: We will be starting at 6PM on Friday and ending at 6PM on Sunday.

Q: Is there a competition/judging/prize component?
A: While many participants Jam with us for the love of the event, Philly Game Jam is a competition and winners will receive a certificate awards similar to last year. We are hoping to secure prizes to raffle off to individuals over the course of the event but we do not expect to have prizes for winning teams beyond the certificate awards.

Q: Is the event BYO tech as usual?
A: Yes.

Q: Can my team participate in the Digital Jam and the Analog Jam?
A: No. If you register for the Digital Jam, we ask that you keep your commitment to your team. We will not allow participation in both Jams so choose wisely.

Q: What’s the difference between Philly Game Jam and Global Game Jam that takes place earlier in the year?
A: There are some slight differences. With Philly Game Jam, you come with your team already formed. In Global Game Jam, you come as an individual and teams are formed on site. Also, Global Game Jam focuses on collaboration while Philly Game Jam is a competition.