Shadowdark 8-Bit Game Jam
To celebrate the incredible momentum of Shadowdark and the creativity of the community, we’re hosting the Shadowdark 8-Bit Game Jam! This is a jam where creators take inspiration from classic NES-era games to produce fresh, table-ready Shadowdark content!
Whether you’re a seasoned designer or shipping your very first adventure, this is your chance to make something punchy, playable, and dripping with retro vibes.
Event Details
- Start Date: January 22
- Submission Deadline: February 11, Midnight (EST)
- Community Voting: February 12 – February 15
-
Final Judging & Showcase: February 15
(Live on the Dungeon Masterpiece YouTube channel)
Dungeon Masterpiece on YouTube
How It Works
To participate, you must visit https://8-bit-assigner.dungeonmasterpiece.com/ and enter your itch.io username and email address.
After you submit your itch.io username, you’ll be assigned three randomly selected NES games. Those three games are your inspiration prompts for the jam.
Important: The assignment happens after you enter your itch.io username, so don’t just click through the tool unless you’re only playing around with it.
Use the assigned NES games however you like: borrow themes, enemies, locations, mechanics, mood, level design structure for dungeon ideas, box-art energy, or whatever helps you craft something fun and usable at the table.
Join the discussion on discord!
- Join the Arcane Library Discord Server: https://discord.gg/thearcanelibrary
- Then visit the game jam thread: https://discord.com/channels/558029475837902851/1464308001858125957
Submission Guidelines
Inspiration Requirement
Your submission must include a short paragraph in the introduction or errata stating:
- Which three NES games you were assigned
- How those influences show up in your final product
Format
- Submissions must be in PDF format
-
Choose one of the following format limits:
- 8 pages on US Letter or A4
- 16 pages on Half Letter or A5
- 16 pages on NES Info Booklet (5.25 in × 4 in or 13.3 cm × 10.2 cm)
License & Shadowdark Creator Kit Rules
- All submissions must follow the guidelines in the Shadowdark Creator Kit and the Shadowdark RPG Third-Party License.
- Include the required attribution statement (per the Shadowdark Third-Party License guidance). Do not reprint the full license text.
Original Writing
- All written content must be original.
- AI-generated artwork is allowed with disclosure.
- Submissions including AI-generated artwork must include a statement, and be released with a public domain licence.
- Obviously AI-written entries will be disqualified.
- Do not violate Nintendo IP. Your work should be clearly inspired by their work, but not use any IP that would cause trademark or copyright infringement.
Itch.io Page Settings
- Your submission must be set to Free to download or Pay What You Want.
Judging Criteria
- Inspiration: How well the submission incorporates elements from the assigned NES games
- Usability: Practicality and playability at the table
- Vibes: Tone, atmosphere, and retro 8-bit energy
Final Judging & Showcase
The top finalists will be evaluated via livestream on the Dungeon Masterpiece YouTube channel .
Prizes
The winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the Shadowdark Core Rules or all three Cursed Scroll Zines of issues #4, #5, and #6, once they are printed (they are currently in development). The winner will be announced during the live stream on February 15th.
Content Note
Please ensure your submission complies with itch.io’s terms of service. Keep things fun, safe, and table-ready.
Special Thanks
This jam exists for one reason: constraints breed creativity. Now grab your three games and make something awesome for Shadowdark.
Shadowdark Third-Party License guidance (attribution statement & usage notes): The Arcane Library FAQ
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