JamCamp - Register Now!

JamCamp is a hybrid game design bootcamp and 4-week game jam coached by award-winning indie game designer Tom Sennett (that’s me!). I’ll help you take a small game from conception to launch, providing expert feedback and support along the way. You’ll push yourself creatively, ship something you’re proud of, and hone the skills you need to excel on your next project.

Is JamCamp Right for You?

JamCamp is open to everyone, but it may be perfect for you if:

You’ve started making games but struggle to finish and ship something.
You’ve participated in game jams before and want to win your next one.
You’re a student in a game-related program.
You’re a veteran developer looking to shake things up.
You’re committed to game design and want to push yourself to the next level.

🛠️ Teams and friends are encouraged to register, but everyone will participate as a solo developer. You can use any tools, platforms, or engines you like (I have expertise in GameMaker and Unity). Games of all kinds are welcome as long as you can create it yourself.

JamCamp Timeline: Nov. 4 - Dec. 2, 2024

JamCamp will meet virtually once a week on Mondays, from 11am-1pm ET. Each session will revolve around playtesting, feedback and workshopping. You’ll progress through key phases of game development and finish with a game ready to launch. Here’s the schedule:

🗓️ Nov. 4: Pitch Day

Introductions
Theme announcement
Brainstorming + feedback
Concept selection

🗓️ Nov. 11: First Build

Playtest by fellow campers
Feedback and workshop
- What has people excited?
- What has people confused or frustrated?
- What's easy to work on?
- What's difficult to work on?

🗓️ Nov. 18: External Playtest

Playtest with outside players
Feedback and workshop
- Does outside playtesting confirm previous findings?
- What should be cut out?
- What should be polished?

🗓️ Nov. 25: Scope Cutoff

Final scoping workshop
Storefront preparation

🗓️ Dec. 2: Launch Day

Launch party 🎉
Closing remarks

What Will You Learn at JamCamp?

JamCamp is all about building, playtesting, and shipping. We’ll focus on:

Communicating your ideas clearly and effectively.
Rapid iteration through constant playtesting.
DIY mindset empowering you to finish and ship games solo.
Talking about your games with confidence and clarity.
Scoping and prioritization to ensure you hit your deadlines.

By the end, you’ll make something fun, playable, and launchable—and you’ll be ready to level up on your next project.

About Your Coach

Yo, I’m Tom Sennett! Here’s a bit about my background:

20+ years making indie games as a solo developer, designer, and artist.
IndieCade Award Winner, Game Design (Deepak Fights Robots).
Instructor of Game Design at Drexel University.
Featured in VICE, Kotaku, and Rock Paper Shotgun.
Creator of RunMan, featured in Super Meat Boy.
Collaborated with Maddy Thorson (TowerFall, Celeste).

Favorite Games:
Tetris, SimCity, Super Mario World, Chrono Trigger, Half-Life, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Desert Golfing, Downwell, Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

How to Join JamCamp

⚠️ Limited spots available to ensure personalized support.

Register here with this form.
You’ll receive a welcome email which will include a request for payment. This can be paid any time prior to the start of camp.
Show up on Nov. 4th ready to brainstorm and build!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need prior game development experience?
No. As long as you’re motivated to learn and build, you’ll do great. A big part of camp is scoping your project to suit your current skill level.

2. What if I can’t attend all sessions live?
Recordings will be available, and you can still receive feedback and participate asynchronously.

3. How much does it cost to join?
The registration fee for JamCamp is $500 and includes the complete experience. Once you submit your registration form, I will email you a request for payment, which can be paid at any time prior to the start of camp.

4. What tools do I need?
You can use any tools or game engines you’re comfortable with. I specialize in GameMaker and Unity, but you can use anything you like. You do not have to decide before camp starts.

5. Can I sell my game or submit it for awards after JamCamp?
Absolutely! Your finished game will be yours and you can take it anywhere you like. We will cover preparing your game for deployment on itch.io. If you are already set up to publish on Steam, iOS/Android, or elsewhere, we can also support you in getting your game up there for launch.

Let’s Get to Work!

JamCamp is your chance to ship a complete game, level up your skills, and have fun doing it. Whether you're starting fresh or looking to push your design chops further, this program is designed to help you get things done.

🚀 Ready to build something awesome?

Contact

📧 Questions?