They say the West Coast is the best coast, 

but which city's game will bring fame to their name?

IGDA LA, 

in collaboration with IGDA SF, IGDA Silicon Valley, & IGDA San Diego, 

proudly invites you to participate in...

...the first! 

Annual! 

California! 

Clash!!!! 

The Clash is a California-wide, head-to-head competition hosted by the California chapters of the International Game Developer's Association (IGDA).  Each year, we'll battle it out to determine which chapter takes home the championship title and...the CHAMPIONSHIP BELT! 

We're inviting YOU to join us and represent your region - secure bragging rights for your slice of California!

While this jam has a competitive element, it's friendly in nature and is about trying new things, pushing your limits, and making the greatest game you can.

How to Join

Online

1. Please join the California Clash Discord Server!

• This will be your one-stop-shop for announcements, questions, team formation, co-working, and more!

2. Join the jam here, on this itch.io jam page

• Submissions are due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, October 12th, but you can join this page any time before then

3. Fill out the official entry form to enter your game into the judging phase of the jam

• Entering your game into the judging phase is fully optional - if you'd like to submit your game just for fun, you're more than welcome to! 
• The entry form is required if you want your game to be judged.

In-Person Kick-Off Events

In addition to the Discord server, there are in-person kick-off events happening in two cities: Los Angeles & San Francisco. Mingle with your fellow participants, form teams, and watch the theme reveal live!

Los Angeles - Get tickets on Eventbrite

Co-sponsored by IGDA LA,  Santa Monica College's Department of Communication & Media Studies, iam8bit, GeekyGlamorous, and Besitos!

San Francisco - Get tickets on Eventbrite

Co-sponsored by IGDA SF, IGDA Silicon Valley, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Theme

Strength in Numbers

Rules overview & theme reveal:

Rules

Eligibility

• The majority of team members must reside in California, but do not need to reside within the four participating cities.
• All participants must be:
  • a legal resident of the United States or the District of Columbia, excluding residents of Arizona.
  • aged 18 or over, at the time of entry.
• Any physical awards will require a California mailing address.

Teams

• We welcome solo developers or teams consisting of six (6) or fewer participants.
• Participants may join multiple teams, but all teams must be informed.
• Teams do not need to be formed before the jam starts - we will provide opportunities to coordinate with others within a Discord server and at in-person launch events.
• We encourage people of all skill levels to participate!

Submission

• This jam is open to digital game submissions through itch.io only.
• Games must be playable on both Mac & Windows OR in a browser.
• Only one game submission is allowed per team and must be submitted through a single  itch.io account
• All team members must be listed as collaborators on the game’s itch page at time of submission. 
• Once the deadline has passed, no updates will be allowed to your submission during the evaluation period
• Teams will have the option to enter the judging portion of the jam.
  • Teams who opt in must submit  an entry form expressing their interest in participating, as well as their team info. 

Development

• Games must be original work and made entirely during the duration of the jam, using assets made in that time or with free and open source options 
  • Attribution must be provided.
  • No paid assets are allowed.
• Participants must own the rights or have license to use all assets used for their submission.
• The use of AI-generated assets is not allowed.

Judging

Judging is optional — teams must opt in to be considered using this entry form.

The judging process has two phases: 

• Local Chapter Round — Your chapter leadership team judges local  submissions. The top 3 games from each chapter advance. 
• Final Round — A panel of impartial industry judges scores finalists.

 Games will be judged on:

• Interpretation of the theme
• Functionality
• Creativity & innovation
• Visual design
• Audio design
• Overall fun

Winners will be announced in mid-November. Any physical prizes will require a California mailing address.

FAQ

When is the jam?

• Jam Start: Friday, October 3 at 7:00pm 
• Jam End: Sunday, October 12 at 11:59pm 
• Judging: October 13 - November 9 (two phases)

Do I need to be an IGDA member to participate?

No, but we highly encourage you to join your local chapter! Chapters receive funding from IGDA based on their membership numbers, so you’ll be investing in your chosen chapter. If you can’t afford a membership, ask about the application for a fee waiver! 

We do, however, require that you select a chapter to represent in this jam! If you’re not from any of the participating cities, choose your favorite or closest city!

How do I enter?

1. Join the California Clash Discord server to find teammates, get mentor help, and connect with others.
2. Submit your game here, on this itch.io jam page. before 11:59pm October 12.
3. Fill out the official entry form to enter your game into the judging phase.
   

Where does it take place?

Online in Discord from October 3rd - 12th! Join early to begin chatting with other devs.

There are also in-person kick-off events in Los Angeles & San Francisco. You do not need to attend a kick-off event to participate in the jam.

Do I need a team before the jam?

Nope! While you are welcome to get your team together earlier, teams can form during kickoff events or in the Discord server. Solo participation is also welcome.

What’s the theme?

Hold your horses! The theme will be revealed at kickoff on October 3 at 7:00 PM!

I have more questions.

Check out #jam-rules in the Discord server for more details or email us at la@igda.org.