SRDs (System Reference Documents) are a great way to make a game: they're basically pre-made systems that handle some (or even all) of the mechanics and rules of your game!

Your challenge for this jam is to use an SRD or make one. You can also make a supplement (an SRD doesn't have to be all-encompassing) or hack a game (it's like an SRD except you just use a game to pull the system(s) from, rather than an SRD doc). If hacking a game, it's ESPECIALLY important to get permission from the creator: even if they've allowed others to hack their work, that doesn't mean you can.

We have started discussions in the community section of this jam that go into more detail about using an SRD/hack and making an SRD/supplement.

We do have a few rules. If you want to know more about them, check the FAQs at the bottom:

• Games must be entirely tabletop/analog. 
• Creations must be family-friendly and cannot contain hate or bigotry toward marginalized groups!
• Games and SRDs must be HUMAN-MADE. We believe that games are a form of expression, an art, and that requires a person to capture their own interests and experiences when designing. The use of AI for games in this jam is not allowed. It's infinitely better to make something you consider crappy than to tell an AI to make something for you. 🧡 
• Games and SRDs must be released during the jam period. It's okay if you started it before the jam, though.
• WHILE NOT NECESSARY, in addition to crediting SRD(s) as required, please credit the SRD(s) you use on the Itch page for your creation. If possible, also explain (as briefly or in as much detail as you'd like) how you used the SRD(s) in your creation.

A Bundle Draws Near...

Once the jam ends, we'll make a bundle with the games that have been entered. This bundle will be PWYW, which means people will be able to get the bundle for free. If you're not okay with that, that's okay! :D

If you're not interested in being part of the bundle, simply say so when submitting your game or SRD.

The bundle will run for approximately 10 days (across two weekends) and will require approval from everyone. Any money earned will be split as evenly as possible amongst all creators. 

We will NOT be excluding anything due to "not being good enough" or any other reasons other than:

• You didn't follow the rules (it's a video game, you didn't use an SRD, you made something bigoted, etc.)
• We made the bundle and included you, but you didn't approve it in time, so we had to remake it without you

FAQs

What are tabletop/analog games

This jam is for tabletop/analog games only, which means the games have to be playable entirely without digital means. People are still free to play the game by reading your document(s) without printing, but it has to be an option. 

And "is this a game" is honestly up to you. If you feel like it's a game, it's a game! My rule is generally whether it has an interactive element. The example I often point to is We Are But Worms: A One Word RPG. "But Beth, how can one word be an RPG?" Because you're putting yourself in the shoes of something else (a worm) and taking action (the one word in the game). 

If you still feel unsure if it counts, feel free to email us at bethandangelmakegames@gmail.com :D

Can I be a hateful, bigoted jerk?

NO!!!!!!!!!!! Go away! 

Seriously, as with all of our jams, we don't allow entries that are bigoted or hateful against marginalized groups: no homophobic, transphobic, ableist, sexist, racist, misogynistic/misandrist, etc. entries are allowed. If creations must punch, they should punch up, not down.

However, you're encouraged to express the effects of those things: if you want to make something based on "being a woman in a man's world" or where immigrants are imprisoned without question (wow, it hurt to type that based on how real it is) from the point of a woman or immigrant, respectively, go for it!

Can I charge for my game/SRD?

Absolutely! I highly recommend adding community copies or making it free temporarily during the jam (and like a week longer) so people who enter the jam can check it out.

Also, if we cannot access your creation without paying money, we'll need a key so we can check it out and ensure it follows the rules. When you submit your creation, there's a spot on that screen to put the key. If we don't get one, we'll comment on your creation asking for one. If we don't get one, we'll be forced to remove it.

What do you mean by "split as evenly as possible" for the bundle?

Itch doesn't allow split percentages. For example, if 9 people enter, then 8 people will get 11% and one will get 12%. This is done via Itch's system: we don't pick and choose favorites, we just hit the "even split" button and it does it for us.

Also, this is per CREATOR, not per CREATION. So if you enter two games, you'll still only get one share.

You said something about approving the bundle. What?

Co-op bundles (bundles with items from multiple creators) require each creator to approve their participation. You'll see the overall bundle, your item(s), and your revenue share. You then have to approve it by clicking a button to acknowledge it.

We will be emailing everyone using the email they provide, and we give a week for people to approve. If we haven't heard back from anyone or the bundle isn't fully approved, we have to remake it without the people who didn't approve it.