Train Jam is a game jam on a train

Gearing up for next year's Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, one organizer has come up with an inspired -- or at least very unorthodox -- vision: Train Jam, a 52 hour game jam running from March 13th to the 15th, held aboard an Amtrak train. The Train Jam, which is being organized by independent game developer Adriel Wallick, will disembark from Chicago, Illinois aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr line, arriving on March 15th in San Francisco, two days before 2014's Game Developers Conference. "Are you insane? Clearly," reads the Train Jam's website FAQ, which also provides some quick and easy reference links for boarding the train prior to Chicago and for ordering tickets. "Participants will have 52 hours to form teams, conceptualize an idea, and create a game -- or stare out a window." Participants will have limited internet access during the train trip and will be on their own for arranging for food, sleep and personal hygiene. A snack cart and dining car are available on the train and showers are available for passengers booking one of the limited roomettes. "Be prepared to be a teeeeeny tiny bit smelly upon your arrival in San Francisco. Don't worry though, we'll all be in the same boat (errr... train?)" the FAQ suggests. A luxurious experience it isn't, but for developers interested in either the novelty of the Train Jam or the prospect of the intensity of crunch period married with a sedate train ride halfway across the United States, it is certainly a memorable way to spend the lead-up to GDC. Tickets are limited, however, and must be purchased before January 20th, 2014. Train Jam participants will meet at Chicago Union Station and the jam's theme will be announced at the start of the trip. Notice: Train Jam is not affiliated with the Game Developers Conference.