At the "BAL QAIMAQ" game jam, we believe games can impact people and even change the way they view the world. That's why we wanted to make game development easier while encouraging creativity. With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, AI has gained a rather negative reputation in the creative industry. However, it shouldn't take the place of human imagination, but rather be a tool of expression.

Furthermore, the usage of AI is strictly limited to coding. All AI assistants (such as Gemini or GitHub Copilot) are fair game for scripting and debugging, but all other aspects of the development process should be done by you or your team. This jam has a secret theme set to be announced when the jam starts. After the theme is announced, submit your game for a chance to win a total prize of 25,000 KZT

We can't wait to see your amazing ideas come to life!!!

The winning games will be decided by judges and community votes. 

• 1st place: 12,000₸ 🥇
  
• 2nd place: 8,000₸ 🥈
  
• 3rd place: 5,000₸ 🥉
  
• Total: 25,000₸ 🤑

What does this theme mean?

Every saying has a different meaning for everyone, just like this theme. The way you interpret the definition of "To lose is to win" is dependent on you.

However, there are a few things worth taking into consideration while creating your game based on this theme:

• While you (the developer) may know the theme, assume players who play your game do not
• The mechanics and the system of the game should appear ordinary, but in reality, there should be an underlying mechanism that fits the theme
• Try to be original. If your game simply rewards you for "losing," points will be cut from creativity
• Your game can be a story game, a simulator, a clicker, or anything else. However, make sure your game is genuinely fun

Games will be judged on the following:

• Enjoyability  - How fun is your game? (decided by community votes)
• Theme - How well does your game fit the theme?
• Visuals - How visually appealing is your game? (decided by community votes)
• Creativity - How unique and original is your game?
• Mechanics - How well does your game work? This includes bugs, playthrough, the simplicity of your game and etc.

You will get to rate other people's work on enjoyability and visuals. Also, note that other participants will vote on your game as well. All other sections will be rated by judges.

Judges are volunteers who will be given a clear rating system to evaluate your game without bias. After these volunteers have finished rating, the average of all the votes will be calculated, and the final rating will be announced. All decisions are final.

Please make sure to read everything carefully as these will disqualify you:

• Your game must be related to the theme
• Your game must be playable on a web browser, no other platforms are allowed
• Your game must be your original work; templates, prepared games, stolen games are prohibited
• You can use assets not made by you so long as you have the proper license to use them and credit the source
• Games submitted cannot contain mature content such as violence, gore, NSFW, or offensive content
• Be friendly & respectful of others
• While rating, be honest & open-minded. There is always space to improve
• If you choose to team up, you can only be on ONE team
• You can use any game engine to make your game
• Follow itch.io TOS
• No AI-generated content allowed, but you may use AI to help you with the coding process
• Make sure your itch io site includes a brief summary of your game
• Games containing text must be in English. While not mandatory, including a Kazakh language setting will be viewed favorably by the judges.

Even though this is a competition, your main goal shouldn't be to win and "beat" others. Focus on creating your game and try to give positive feedback to other developers. After all, even if you don't win, you will still have a game in your hands