Global Game Jam 2020 Des Moines
January 31 – February 2, 2020

Join us on Slack for event updates, announcements and chat!

Getting Started
Doors open at 5PM Friday, January 31. We recommend arriving between 5 and 5:30 so you have time to check in, get settled and enjoy some pizza before the kickoff at 6PM.

At 6, we’ll gather everyone in the stairatorium for opening announcements and the theme reveal. After that, we’ll do some team-building activities, give people a chance to pitch/recruit, and then it’s time to get to work!

See the full schedule here.

Location
Gravitate Coworking (Downtown)
500 Locust St.
Des Moines, IA 50309

Parking
There is four-hour metered parking along Locust Street, two-hour metered parking on 5th Street and several affordable garages in the area.

• 4th and Grand Garage ($1.00/hour, daily max $10.00)
• 500 Grand Parking Garage (first hour: $4.00, additional hours: $1.25, daily max: $15.00)
• Cherry St & 5th Ave Courthouse Lot (free after 5pm & weekends)

What to Bring
Bring the tools and materials you’ll need to work on your game. Some things you may want to bring:

• Computer (something portable, wi-fi enabled is best)
• Computer accessories (mouse, keyboard, gamepad, graphics tablet…)
• Chargers and cables
• Recording equipment
• Headphones
• Notebook and pen/pencil
• Other office/craft supplies (scissors, glue, tape, markers…)
• Game supplies (poster board, grid paper, dice, game pieces…)

Since you’ll be spending a lot of time at the jam, you should also plan on bringing things to keep you comfortable and healthy, like:

• Refillable water bottle
• Food/snacks
• Pillow, blanket (and something to sleep on, if you plan on trying to nap at the jam)
• Earplugs
• Medications (prescriptions, pain relievers, heartburn, allergy, etc.)

Food
Water and coffee will be available all weekend. Some snacks and food will be provided, but you should plan on bringing food or buying some meals during this event—especially if you have any dietary restrictions or a large appetite.

You will have access to fridge space, a microwave, oven and toaster oven at Gravitate. If you don’t bring food, there are restaurants, convenience stores and a Hy-Vee in walking distance.

Sleeping
We know it’s tempting to try to jam for the full 48 hours, but we don’t recommend it—you need to sleep. Gravitate will be open 24 hours/day during the jam*, so you can go get some rest, and come back whenever.

If you are planning on crashing at the jam (not recommended, but better than not sleeping), we will have a designated quiet room, with limited space. Please be aware that Gravitate is mostly glass and concrete—comfort and privacy are limited. If you think you will be staying overnight, you should bring something to sleep on, as well as a change of clothes, toothbrush, deodorant, and whatever else you need to feel human.

*This jam site will be open the entire 48 hours, but please be aware that after the kickoff on Friday, the door will be locked for security. You’re welcome to come and go, and there will always be someone available to let you in. Please keep your name badge with you. 

Registration & Game Submission
If you are jamming with us, you’ll need to make an account and join our jam site to be able to submit your game. Register and join here.

The Global Game Jam site can slow down near the end, so it’s recommended you start the submission process an hour or more before the jam ends. Details and upload instructions here.

Inclusivity
This jam should be a fun and welcoming event for all, and harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. Please review the Global Game Jam code of conduct.

IGDA Des Moines
This jam site is hosted by IGDA Des Moines, a local chapter of the International Game Developer’s Association. Join us every 3rd Tuesday for our monthly meetings. Everyone is welcome, regardless of profession or skill level. All meetings are open to members and non-members alike.

Our next meeting will be about Global Game Jam 2020, and we’d love to have you join us to demo your game! See details and sign up here.