Welcome to the first ever BTW (Bechdel Test for Writing) Jam! A game jam where the theme is based on the Bechdel Test. If you have no clue what that is, fear not! For your convenience, here is an excerpt from Wikipedia:

"The Bechdel test (/ˈbɛkdəl/ bek-dəl) asks whether a work of fiction features at least two women who talk to each other about something other than a man. The requirement that the two women must be named is sometimes added.

Only about half of all films meet these requirements, according to user-edited databases and the media industry press. The test is used as an indicator for the active presence of women in films and other fiction, and to call attention to gender inequality in fiction."

So now that you basically know what the Bechdel Test is, I can get into the rules for the Jam:

1. The main character must be a woman or identify as a woman.
2. There must be at least two of said women/women-identifying folk in your game.
3. They must interact regularly.
4. Their interaction can't be about a man or supporting his quest/problems.

And that's it! Just make a game with a gal that talks to and/or hangs out with another gal.

For those of you are that are thinking "Well, that's too easy!" then here are some more additional achievements to spice your game up!

• Each one teach one: mentor a girl in your group for the jam.
• LGBTQA angle: either in story and/or the characters.
• Tell a story in a different culture: there's more flavors in the world than just American.
• Different body types: height, shape, skincolor...diversity is the spice of life!
• Older women: we need more badass grannies to look up to.
• Theme reversal: find a famous myth/legend/story and retell it with the genders reversed. It's time for Hercules, daughter of Zeus to do some slaying.
• History Lesson: have your game be set in a different time period (or multiple)!
• First person female: People have to be able to tell that it's a woman without floating boobs on the screen.
• The Hawkeye Challenge: It's time for the boys to feel empowered.

Extra brownie points for hitting multiple (or all) of the achievements!

Prizes include a theoretical cookie, a pat on the back, and bragging rights for making a game that passes the Bechdel Test. And maybe some additional goodies as well. :)

Q and A

For any and all questions you have regarding the event:

• Q: Am I allowed to have male characters in the game?
  
  • A: Of course! Just keep in mind the rules; otherwise throw in all the supporting male characters you want.
• Q: When and where will this fabulous jam be held?
  • A: March 10-12, starting at 6pm in Weston Hall, NJIT. For those that can't make it in person, feel free to do it remotely, or on your own and submit it here during that time.