What to Buy and Bring for a Game Jam

A game jam needs more than laptops and a theme. You also need enough power, network access, input devices, food, drinks and clear materials for teams, judges and registration. Use the supply list on this page as your checklist, then confirm technical needs with participants before you shop. The items people most often arrange too late are chargers, extension cords, network equipment, catering and presentation cables.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 36
Registration desk
Judges' table

Equipment

Projector
Projection screen
Laptopsqty 18
Laptop chargersqty 18
Computer miceqty 18
Keyboardsqty 18
Headphonesqty 18
Power stripsqty 12
Extension cordsqty 12
Network cablesqty 12
Wi-Fi router
HDMI cablesqty 3
USB sticksqty 6
Speakersqty 2
Microphone

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Scissorsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8

Decorations

Name badge holdersqty 40
Whiteboardqty 2
Flip chart
Markersqty 24
A4 paperqty 250
Sticky notesqty 12
Tapeqty 6
Prize trophiesqty 3

Lighting

Desk lampsqty 10

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop set

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Long-life milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Mini currant buns - 40 pieces
- Mini croissants - 40 pieces
- Brown rolls - 40 pieces
- White bread rolls - 40 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Herb cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Pasta - 3 kilos
- Pasta sauce - 6 jars
- Vegetarian meatballs - 2 kilos
- Grated cheese - 1 kilo
- Parmesan cheese - 400 grams
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan at least one usable power outlet per laptop, plus one spare outlet for charging phones or equipment. Bring power strips and extension cords early enough to test the layout before participants arrive.
Ask about operating systems, required software and connection needs at least 7 days before the jam. This gives you time to arrange compatible laptops, mice, keyboards, headphones, HDMI cables and network cables.
For drinks, allow 2 to 3 servings per person during the first hour and about 1 serving per person for each additional hour. Keep water available separately, using coolers, thermos flasks or reusable cups as needed.
Prepare one registration point and one clearly marked judges’ table before doors open. Keep name badge holders, the participant list, pens and spare paper together so check-in does not delay team assignments.
Buy or collect prizes no later than 3 days before the event, and check that the projector, screen, speakers and microphone work with the available laptop. A missing adapter or presentation cable is difficult to replace once judging has started.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a game jam?: Plan one suitable laptop per participant or team, depending on your format, and confirm software requirements at least 7 days in advance. Add chargers, mice, keyboards, headphones, power strips, extension cords, network equipment and the cables needed for the projector and sound system.
How much food and drink should I buy for a game jam?: For drinks, budget 2 to 3 servings per person in the first hour and about 1 serving per person for every later hour. Order catering for the confirmed participant count, plus roughly 5 to 10% extra if late registrations are possible.
When should I check laptops and cables for a game jam?: Check every laptop, charger, power strip, extension cord and network cable at least 2 days before the event. Test the projector, screen, speakers, microphone and HDMI connection again during setup on the day itself.
What should I prepare for game jam registration and judging?: Set up the registration desk, name badges and participant list before doors open, with at least one person assigned to check people in. Prepare the judges’ table, evaluation forms and presentation equipment at least 30 minutes before judging begins.

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