---
description: >-
  Here is a listing of common terms we use when talking about Global Game Jam.
  Refer back here if you get lost.
---

# Common Terms

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="164">Term</th><th>Meaning</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Term</td><td>Meaning</td></tr><tr><td>GGJ</td><td><strong>Global Game Jam</strong> - The main, yearly, 48 hour jam event. Can also be used to refer to Global Game Jam inc, the charity who run the event. </td></tr><tr><td>Board</td><td>The team who meets once a month to help define the future direction of Global Game Jam, and the charitable organisation who run it.</td></tr><tr><td>ED</td><td><p><strong>Executive Director</strong> - The person who oversees the incorporated charity as a whole, leads on fundraising and guides the board.</p><p>(currently: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaburnsortiz/">Maria Burns Ortiz</a>)</p></td></tr><tr><td>EPM</td><td><strong>Events &#x26; Programs Manager</strong> - The person who oversees the whole event, and makes sure it runs as smoothly as possible. <br>(currently: TBA)</td></tr><tr><td>DC</td><td><p><strong>Director of Communications</strong> - The person in charge of the GGJ social media presence and community management and outreach with the GGJ jammer and organizer communities. </p><p>(currently: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarja-porkka-kontturi/">Tarja Porkka-Kontturi</a>)</p></td></tr><tr><td>DT</td><td><strong>Director of Technology</strong> - The person responsible for the technical infrastructure and systems that power the Global Game Jam, ensuring a seamless experience for all participants worldwide.<br>(currently: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/zainprofile/">Zain Ul Hassan</a>)</td></tr><tr><td>EC</td><td><strong>Executive Committee</strong> - The core team of volunteers who work with the EPM to make the event happen.</td></tr><tr><td>RO(s)</td><td><strong>Regional Organiser(s)</strong> - The volunteer(s) who works at the heart of your region, talking to and supporting all the sites in a particular geographic area.</td></tr><tr><td>SO(s)</td><td><strong>Site organiser(s)</strong> -  The key responsible person(s) for each local GGJ site.</td></tr><tr><td>Jammer(s)</td><td>Attendee(s) of the jam event, who work together over 48 hours to make games. </td></tr><tr><td>Keynote</td><td>The video shown at the start of each GGJ event in every location to kick off the weekend. It includes insights and inspiration from industry leaders,  showcases some sponsors, and the Theme reveal.</td></tr><tr><td>Theme</td><td>The super top secret (until 5pm in Hawaii the day the jam starts!) topic for the game jam. </td></tr></tbody></table>

