AestheticJam is a new jam series where each jam focuses on a different aesthetic to create games based on.  Our first jam will focus on the Frutiger Aero aesthetic.

What is Frutiger Aero?

Frutiger Aero is an aesthetic based on early 2000s computer graphics.  It features high gloss, expansive skies, lens flare, water, tropical fish, and futuristic technology and visuals.  Thematically, Frutiger Aero focuses on the harmonious connection between nature and technology.  In this aesthetic, there is no conflict between the natural world and modern technology; instead, both coexist to their mutual benefit.  Frutiger Aero is positive, utopic, and filled with light.

Frutiger Aero also includes bokeh and skeuomorphism.  Bokeh is a photographic quality where points of light appear out-of-focus.  Skeuomorphism is a quality of user interface design where icons mimic the function of the program (for example, the recycle bin on a computer has a recycle bin as its icon).

Frutiger Aero also includes music, although the style is not as distinctive as other aesthetic music such as Synthwave.  The Wii menu theme is a notable example.

For more information, examples, and subgenres, check out the wiki: https://aesthetics.fandom.com/wiki/Frutiger_Aero. 

Looking for teammates?  Or need any technical help?

1. Make a post in our discord! We're small right now, but we will grow.  https://discord.gg/eEF9my5fn9

2. For visual novel help, check out DevTalk! DevTalk is a visual novel server dedicated to the business of making visual novels.  It has a large and active community of very pleasant people.  If you want to make a visual novel for this jam, check out this server! https://discord.gg/devtalk

3. If you're working with Twine, check out Twine Games!  It's a server dedicated to helping Twine users with the technical aspects of using the program.  You can also post a link to your Twine game for bug-testing and critique.  They also have threads for Deutsch, Francais, and Espanol.  https://discord.gg/EvvFwWxh2c

4. Make a post in the community section of the jam!

Rules

1. The game must follow the Frutiger Aero aesthetic.  This includes the visual style, music, and themes.  
   1. You do not have to include all three in your game.  For instance, you could create a visual novel with Frutiger Aero visuals, but no Frutiger Aero music or themes.  The main requirement is that it must feel Frutiger Aero.  This is an aesthetic jam, after all.
   2. If you choose to create a text-based game (made with Twine, for instance), you do not have to include images or music in your game (although both will certainly enhance your game).  But your game must evoke a sense of Frutiger Aero in its textual descriptions or themes.
2. You may use any engine or program you wish, from Twine to Unreal Engine 5.  There are many engines and programs available for download on Itch.io that you may use.
3. You may create any genre of game as long as it is not NSFW.  Romance, horror, browser games, or first-person shooters, they’re all available.  If applicable, please include any content warnings on the game page.
4. You may work in teams or individually.  Teams may be of any size.
5. No AI content of any sort.  Please ethically source your assets.  Unsplash.com is a great source for free images.  (I used photos from Unsplash to make the cover image for this jam!)
6. No games that are bigoted or promote hatred. Not only is it against the spirit of Frutiger Aero, but it is also wrong and unkind.
7. Voting will be open until April 13 at 11:59pmEST.  There are no prizes, only bragging rights (although I might stream the top-rated submissions--no guarantees about that).  Categories will be the following:
   1. Frutiger Aero-ness: How well does the game capture the aesthetic?
   2. Fun: How fun is it to play?
   3. Accessibility: How user-friendly is the game and the game's interface?
8. This jam was originally ranked, but now it is not.  This way the jam is more chill and we can focus more on creating something new.
9. You may submit demos and unfinished games.
10. You may do pre-planning for your games before the jam starts, but the majority of the game must be worked on during the jam time itself.  Before the jam starts, you may: make your teams, gather pre-made assets, create an outline or plan for your game, create concept art.
11. If your game focuses on a specific subgenre of Frutiger Aero (such as Dark Aero), please mention that on your game page.  That way we can all enjoy the variety of style present in Frutiger Aero!
12. Games must be free to play during the submission and voting period.  Afterwards, you may add a price.

HAVE FUN!