JUMP TO: Basics | ROM Venue | Team Info | Games | Post Game Jam
BASICS
+ What is a Game Jam?
From Wikipedia: “A game jam is a gathering of game developers for the purpose of planning, designing, and creating games within a short span of time. Game developers are generally made up of programmers, game designers, artists, and others in game development-related fields.”
+ When does registration open, when will it close, and when will we find out if we've been accepted to participate in the Jam?
Registration will open on Friday, August 5, and will close on Friday, August 19. You'll hear back from us by Friday, August 26.
+ How much does the ROM Game Jam cost for participants?
Nothing. (No, really!)
The ROM Game Jam is a free event for selected teams!
+ Is there a theme to ROM Game Jam?
Yes! The theme for the 2016 ROM Game Jam is:
Dawn of Life on Earth: The World Before Dinosaurs - inspired by the future Dawn of Life permanent gallery!
The future Dawn of Life permanent gallery at the ROM will tell the story of life on Earth - from the origins of life to the origins of dinosaurs. It will showcase not only samples from Earth’s early history when life first started, but key fossils throughout the Earth’s history that reveal how life diversified over time and faced major crises. This gallery is essentially the ‘missing link’ between the Teck Suite of Galleries: Earth’s Treasures and the James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs on the second floor of the ROM.
+ Do we need to finish the game?
We strongly encourage a working prototype of your game by the end of the jam weekend. Teams will have the option of uploading their games at the end of the Game Jam on Sunday, Sept. 18 to a ROM Game Jam https://itch.io/ site.
ROM VENUE
+ Where is the ROM Game Jam being held?
The ROM Game Jam is being held inside the Royal Ontario Museum at 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON in Bronfman Hall, 2nd floor - the future home of the Dawn of Life gallery!
+ How do I get to the ROM Game Jam?
The Royal Ontario Museum is at 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON, conveniently located at the “Museum” station of the Yonge-University-Spadina line. Game Jammers are asked to use the President’s Choice School Entrance on the South Side of the ROM, near the “Museum” subway station. See map at: https://www.rom.on.ca/en/whats-on/presidents-choice-school-entrance
+ Is there parking?
See this map for nearby parking options: https://www.rom.on.ca/en/visit-us/location-parking
+ What are the hours of ROM Game Jam?
The ROM Game Jam starts on Friday, September 16 at 3:00 pm and ends on Sunday, September 18th at 5:00 pm. ROM Game Jam daily hours are as follows
Friday: 3:00 pm to Midnight
Saturday: 9:00 am to Midnight
Sunday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
+ Can I stay overnight at the ROM?
This year, jammers will not be able to stay overnight at the ROM.
+ What does the ROM provide for the 2016 Game Jam?
The ROM will provide:
- The space. The Game Jam will take place in the amazing Bronfman Hall - future home to the Dawn of Life permanent gallery!
- Electrical. One power bar will be provided for each round table that can sit up to 4 people.
- Basic WiFi. We suggest to have all your files and assets downloaded and saved locally.
- An awesome welcome package (including a much coveted ROM Game Jam t-shirt).
- Nourishment throughout the weekend.
- Invitation to a free BEHIND-THE-SCENES workshop on Sunday, Sept. 11 led by Assistant Curator Dave Rudkin. An opportunity to be inspired! Learn about the future Dawn of Life gallery, check out the Preview Gallery, and get special guided behind-the-scenes tour of the fossil collection room!
+ Is there reliable wifi at the ROM?
Basic WiFi will be provided. We suggest to have all your required software, files, and assets downloaded and saved locally, as cloud services may not always be accessible. Additionally, please try to avoid downloading large files whenever possible.
TEAM INFO
+ How old do I have to be to participate?
You must be 14 years of age or older. At least 1 member of your team must be 18 years of age or older.
+ Can I reapply if I participated in the ROM Game Jam last year?
Absolutely!
+ Do I need to have made a game before?
Game Jams can be a great way to learn how to make games. This is an inclusive Game Jam and we encourage developers of all levels of experience. We aim to have a balance of entry level, student, and professional participants and teams.
+ Are students allowed to participate?
Students are absolutely welcome to participate! This is an inclusive Game Jam and we encourage developers of all levels of experience. We aim to have a balance of entry level, student, and professional participants and teams.
+ Do I participate alone or as a team?
Participants may work in a team (maximum four members total) or solo.
+ Do I have to create my team ahead of time?
Yes, we are asking that teams (maximum four members total) should be created ahead of time. The team that you include on the registration form will be your team for the ROM Game Jam - substitutes cannot be made during the Sept. 16-18 weekend event.
+ Are there floaters?
No. Participants must be in a team (maximum four members total) or be able to work solo.
+ Do all of my team members have to be onsite?
Yes. One of the best parts about a Game Jam—and arguably central to the jamming experience—is being able to collaborate in person with your teammates as well as with your fellow jammers. That experience just isn’t the same if you’re working with someone remotely. If you are signing up with a team for the jam, please make sure that all members will be available during the jam weekend. Plus, you'll get to meet ROM experts, explore our galleries, and more!
+ Can I attend the event just to hang out?
Due to space constraints allotted for the Game Jam, there is no capacity for people who will not be participating. However, members of the public, friends, and family are welcome to visit the ROM during visiting hours - there will be a public activity set-up in the entrance area to the Game Jam venue (Bronfman Hall) for part of Saturday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, Sept. 18. Games created during previous ROM Game Jams will also be on display in the Earth Rangers Studio on the 2nd floor throughout the weekend. All visitors will need to pay the ROM admission fee.
+ What is the criteria for choosing teams?
We have three main criteria for choosing Game Jam teams:
- Motivation of the team
- Diversity: The ROM is committed to creating inclusive programming that is accessible and welcoming of diversity. Participants who self-identify as women, gender fluid, non-binary, LGBTTIQQ2SA, Indigenous peoples, persons of colour, persons with disabilities and/or the Deaf community are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Experience: This is an inclusive Game Jam and we encourage developers of all levels of experience. We aim to have a balance of entry level, student, and professional participants and teams.
GAMES
+ Can our games be based on any subject within the ROM? What exhibitions and galleries can my game be inspired by?
One of the challenges for the ROM Game Jam is to get ROM visitors to experience more of the museum by animating research and collections, our galleries, and exhibits.
For the 2016 ROM Game Jam, the ROM has chosen the future Dawn of Life permanent gallery to act as the inspiration for games. The ROM currently has a Preview Gallery located next to Bronfman Hall, which Game Jam participants will have access to throughout the weekend.
You can find a collection of resources and background material about the gallery under the “THEME” heading on the ROM Game Jam website: https://www.rom.on.ca/en/whats-on/game-jam
There will also be a BEHIND-THE-SCENES workshop on Sunday, Sept. 11 led by Assistant Curator Dave Rudkin. Learn about the future Dawn of Life gallery, check out the Preview Gallery, and get special guided behind-the-scenes tour of the collection space!
The future Dawn of Life permanent gallery at the ROM will tell the story of life on Earth - from the origins of life to the origins of dinosaurs. It will showcase not only samples from Earth’s early history when life first started, but key fossils throughout the Earth’s history that reveal how life diversified over time and faced major crises. This gallery is essentially the ‘missing link’ between the Teck Suite of Galleries: Earth’s Treasures and the James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs on the second floor of the ROM.
You can also follow @ROMPalaeo and #ROMGameJam for further inspiration.
+ Do our games need to be educational?
No, not strictly—although we’d argue that players learn in games even if they’re not intended to be educational.
If you’re interested in showcasing your game within the ROM afterwards we will select games based on connection to “Dawn of Life” (some learning for players), compatibility with technology available at the ROM, appropriateness for family audience, short game play (up to 5 minutes maximum game play), and quality (is it fun? Is it engaging?). Showcase opportunities within the ROM include school visits, Family Fun Days, Friday Night Live events, and potentially during family programming during our busiest times over the December/January holiday season and March Break.
To see what game developers created in previous ROM Game Jams, visit the ROM Arcade!
+ Do our games have to be children friendly?
Games selected for showcase within the ROM Arcade and online will be for a Family Target Audience.
We’ll choose games based on connection to “Dawn of Life” (some learning for players), compatibility with technology available at the ROM, appropriateness for family audience, short game play (up to 5 minutes maximum game play), and quality (is it fun? Is it engaging?).
+ Do we need to finish the game?
We strongly encourage a working prototype of your game by the end of the jam weekend. Teams will have the option of uploading their games at the end of the Game Jam on Sunday, Sept. 18 to a ROM Game Jam https://itch.io/ site.
For teams who would like to showcase their games at the ROM throughout 2016 and 2017, we will have a selection process, which will include an opportunity to improve the game through Beta Testing with public/school groups, and then a final selection of games for showcase in a “ROM Arcade” set-up for public events in the Earth Rangers Studio and for display on ROM Learning Portal website.
We expect the Beta Testing and Improvement stages to take place from September to early November, followed by the final selection of games in late November.
We’ll choose games based on connection to “Dawn of Life” (some learning for players), compatibility with technology available at the ROM, appropriateness for family audience, short game play (up to 5 minutes maximum game play), and quality (is it fun? Is it engaging?).
Note: The ROM will pay licensing fees and provide exhibition support to all participants whose games are selected for showcase in the ROM Arcade during public events, located in the Earth Rangers Studio, school visits, and for the online ROM Arcade. Copyright and ownership of the games will remain with the participants according to the terms outlined in a licensing agreement with the ROM.
+ What equipment/resources will be provided?
The ROM will be providing the space, electrical, and basic WiFi during the Game Jam.
Participants will be required to bring their own equipment that includes any computers, tablets, extra monitors, etc.
(PRO TIP: have all your files and assets downloaded and saved locally.) If you are interested in submitting your game to the ROM Arcade to be showcased in the future, read the FYI below about onsite ROM technologies.
+ What platform should we build our games for? What onsite technologies does the ROM have?
All teams can upload their game to a ROM Game Jam itch.io site at the end of the Game Jam.
For those who would like to showcase their games at the ROM throughout 2016/2017 (and beyond!), you should consider the technology that we have available. Games produced during past Game Jams have most frequently been showcased within PC computers in the Earth Rangers Studio, on iPads during school visits, and on our ROM Learning website (with a link to a download site).
Below is a more detailed list of technology available at the ROM:
Technology in the Earth Rangers Studio:
Computer Displays
Dell model 9020 (64bit Win7)
8GB RAM
128GB drive
1920x1080 video card matches optimal resolution of the 50" plasma screens
iPads
23 iPad with Retina display (4th generation), 16GB storage
37 iPad Air Wi-Fi, 16GB storage
2 Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.7", 16GB storage
ROM Learning Website
Featured in the ROM Learning website, with a link to play on itch.io.
+ Who owns the IP behind the game?
You own anything that you make! For the nitty gritty details - read on!
NEW IP AGREEMENT AND USAGE AGREEMENT!
We have changed our ROM Game Jam IP agreement. In the past, the ROM had exclusive rights to showcase your game for 1 year. For the 2016 ROM Game Jam we have removed this clause - you can showcase your game wherever and whenever you like. There will still be an IP clause regarding permission needed to include ROM content (images, video, etc.).
For teams who would like to showcase their games at the ROM throughout 2016 and 2017, we will have a selection process, which will include an opportunity to improve the game through Beta Testing with public/school groups, and then a final selection of games for showcase in a “ROM Arcade” set-up for public events in the Earth Rangers Studio and for display on ROM Learning Portal website. We expect the Beta Testing and Improvement stages to take place from September to early November, followed by the final selection of games in late November.
Note: The ROM will pay licensing fees and provide exhibition support to all participants whose games are selected for showcase in the ROM Arcade during public events, located in the Earth Rangers Studio, school visits, and for the online ROM Arcade. Copyright and ownership of the games will remain with the participants according to the terms outlined in a licensing agreement with the ROM. Game Jam teams cannot include the ROM logo or ROM Game Jam logo within their game, unless they choose to partner with the ROM and commercialize their product.
+ Will my game be shown at the ROM?
Teams have the option of showing their game on a large screen within the Bronfman Hall on the last afternoon of Game Jam, Sunday, Sept. 18.
To learn more about opportunities to show your game at the ROM throughout 2016/17, after the Game Jam weekend event, check out the response to next FAQ, “What happens after the Game Jam?”
POST GAME JAM
+ What happens after the Game Jam weekend event?
All teams can upload their game to a ROM Game Jam itch.io site at the end of the Game Jam.
For teams who would like to showcase their games at the ROM throughout 2016 and 2017, we will have a selection process, which will include an opportunity to improve the game through Beta Testing with public/school groups, and then a final selection of games for showcase in a “ROM Arcade” set-up for public events in the Earth Rangers Studio and for display on ROM Learning Portal website. We expect the Beta Testing and Improvement stages to take place from September to early November, followed by the final selection of games in late November.
We’ll choose games based on connection to “Dawn of Life” (some learning for players), compatibility with technology available at the ROM, appropriateness for family audience, short game play (up to 5 minutes maximum game play), and quality (is it fun? Is it engaging?).
Note: The ROM will pay licensing fees and provide exhibition support to all participants whose games are selected for showcase in the ROM Arcade during public events, located in the Earth Rangers Studio, school visits, and for the online ROM Arcade. Copyright and ownership of the games will remain with the participants according to the terms outlined in a licensing agreement with the ROM.
If you are interested in commercializing your game in partnership with the ROM, a separate contract will be negotiated.
Further questions can be directed to GameJam@rom.on.ca
+ I thought ROM Game Jam was dead?
It’s true that last year at the 2015 ROM Game Jam we declared that it was “the last ROM Game Jam”....what can we say? At the time, we thought so - honest!
After some AMAZING feedback from all of YOU and the success of the ROM Arcade and Game Jam school visit programs, we decided we couldn’t let it die! We are even dreaming of a 2017 Game Jam...yet to be confirmed.
+ Will there be another special ‘midnight’ gallery tour?
We’re working on it. Check back here for details.