ABOUT TOJAM
Everything you need to know before, during, and after the jam
"REQUIRED" IMAGES
If you could mention your game was created at "TOJam 2026: Twenty years, one weekend", like in the credits or main menu, we'd really appreciate it. Feel free to use our goat on a pole graphic and our official logo as well, and like the header suggests, these graphics are not required, but why wouldn't you?
Goat on a Pole
The goat-on-a-pole is a time-honoured tradition. Gaze in awe upon its glory! "Goat On A Pole" can be completely altered - cropped, shrunk, replaced with an anime version, turned into a weapon, whatever. As long as the game contains a whiff of the Goat, we're happy. This graphic was jokingly suggested at TOJam 1 (2006) to give our games a unique flavour (with other Toronto-themed graphics). Only the goat remains!
THIS YEAR'S THEME
Mash-up any 2 previous themes
2025
The more you have, the worse it gets
2022
That shouldn't be here
2018
Winning is for Losers
2015
It's all come to this
2024
It's supposed to do that
2021
Once more, With feeling!
2017
Prepare for disappointment
2014
After you
2023
You must leave it behind
2020
Together but apart
2016
There will be consequences
2013
Uncooperative
2012
The world's not ending
2011
What just happened
2010
Missing
2009
Scale
2008
Cheese
WHAT DO I BRING?
In-Person Checklist
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All the large software/assets you need (install files, libraries of sound effects, music, graphic assets)
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Power cable and/or power bar (especially if bringing a laptop requiring more than 2 outlets)
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USB key / portable hard drive (for file transfers if network problems - assume the worst, don't rely only on cloud)
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Dress in layers (some seats too cold, others too hot)
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Money for street parking, meals/food, and transportation
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Place to stay (no overnight jamming) + plan for arriving/leaving GBC
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Water bottle/cup/mug for tap water or coffee
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Gum... you can never have too much gum
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Headphones (to drown out conversation - speakers outlawed until Sunday 6pm)
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Speakers (for Sunday 6:30pm-9:30pm showcase only)
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Gamepads (easier for people to play your game)
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Medication: Allergy, Heartburn, Asthma - you'll be here a long time
Last, but most important: A WELL THOUGHT OUT GAME DESIGN! If you just start thinking about your game idea on Friday night, it will be too late.
Bring EXTRA Stuff (Be a Hero!)
People, including your organizers, always forget to bring stuff. Bringing extra stuff means if someone forgets to bring an item, you get to be a hero! We'll announce requests for extra stuff during the jam. Label your stuff and let the registration table know when you arrive.
We're looking for extra:
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Switches / hubs / routers that can provide wireless internet
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Ethernet cables
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Power bars
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Apple power adapters / cords / monitor connectors
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Laptop power adapter
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USB keys / flash drives / portable hard drives
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Cables like VGA, HDMI, or USB (people constantly forget these)
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Controllers (Wired or Wireless) / PC XBOX wireless adapters
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Mice, mousepads, tablets!
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Scanners
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Headphones or speakers
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Anything you can think of!
Don't go out of your way to bring any of these items, since we may not need them. If it's relatively easy for you to bring any of these, thanks in advance!
WHAT WE PROVIDE
ONLINE
We have an official TOJam Discord community that lets jammers network with others, request art and audio support from floaters, ask for support, access resources, enter giveaways, and have a front-row seat to jam announcements and streams.
IN PERSON
We provide a desk, power, chair, and Internet. There are 2 electrical outlets per machine (monitor + machine).
We CAN provide you with a George Brown College machine preloaded with commonly used industry software. The machines are pretty amazing! Feel free to contact us if you need the specs.
Snacks and drinks will be provided throughout the weekend (also known as the **Candy Stand**), but we highly suggest making your own plans when it comes to meals and staying fully hydrated. This is all thanks to our wonderful sponsors!
Heads up! If you are using a George Brown College machine, make sure to have a way to store your work.