AvantBeetle ProtestJam!!

April 4th-19th

Welcome!!

We’re living in a time of uncertainty, tension, and constant noise. Moments like these can feel overwhelming—but they can also remind us why creativity matters. From April 4–19, this jam invites creators of all backgrounds to take two weeks to channel their thoughts, emotions, and ideas into making a game. There are no restrictions on style, genre, or format

What Can I Make?

Your submission can take many forms! Games made in traditional engines are welcome, but they’re not the only option. You might create:

• A digital game
• A browser game
• A tabletop or pen-and-paper game
• An interactive PowerPoint
• Something we haven't thought about??

Big or small, serious or absurd, direct or symbolic... make a game that pushes back against something in the world.

The Games!

The goal is creative exploration, not perfection. This jam is about speaking up through play.

We create a space where people can learn from each other’s experiences, perspectives, frustrations, and hopes. Art has always played a role in movements for change. This jam is an invitation to add your voice to that tradition using creativity, play, and experimentation to say something that matters.

What makes a game a “protest game”?

A protest game is more than just a theme or a mood, it’s a point of view.

At its core, your game should be pushing against something. This could be an injustice, a broken system, a societal pressure, or a frustration with the world as it is. Whether your story is personal, political, emotional, or abstract, it should point toward something tangible, something it questions, challenges, or calls out.

Your game can be quiet or loud, subtle or direct, hopeful or heavy. It can explore deeply personal experiences or broader societal issues. But it should go beyond simply depicting a feeling or situation, it should express why it exists and what it’s responding to.

Ask yourself:

• What is this game speaking out against?
• What is it trying to reveal, critique, or challenge?
• What should the player walk away questioning or understanding differently?

The Exhibition!

We're hosting a show! In a gallery! And we want to feature your games!

upon submission, if you'd like to have your game in the exhibition, let us know! We want to showcase everyone's work that we can!

(Pics from previous AvantBeetle Exhibitions in Atlanta)

Join Our Discord

During the jam we’ll host a shared space on Discord where participants can:

Meet collaborators Ask for help Share progress Find resources and tools Celebrate each other’s work

Be sure to join the Discord to get the most out of the event.

Join Discord Here!

About AvantBeetle

AvantBeetle is located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. We put on exhibitions for experimental and alternative video games. Our mission is promote video games as a form of artistic expression. These games are designed to provoke thoughts and feelings, promote discussions, and bring people together.