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FAQ - Ask questions here! Sticky

A topic by Breezy created Mar 16, 2025 Views: 217 Replies: 9
Viewing posts 1 to 5
Host (3 edits)

Jam FAQ 

The FAQ will be updated as more questions come in.

If you have any questions regarding this jam, please feel free to ask here! Will try to respond ASAP.

How will I know the theme?
The theme will be announced on the itch.io page 5 days before the jam starts.

Can I make a Visual Novel/3D game/Platformer/Shooter/Puzzle/Interactive Fiction/Tabletop RPG/Comic/Zine?  

Yes, any type of media is accepted for this jam, as long as it includes clowns!

What is a clown?  

A clown is a performer known for using physical comedy, funny expressions, and colorful costumes to entertain audiences, often at circuses and parties. They usually wear distinctive makeup, wigs, and oversized clothing, and their acts can include slapstick humor, juggling, magic tricks, or making balloon animals. Clowns have been around since ancient times and have become a well-known figure in modern entertainment.
For more details, check out the wiki page.

Can I make a jester?  

Yes, jesters are considered a type of clown, more specifically a royal one!

Can I make a game with [insert topic here]?

Yes, you can create any game on any topic, as long as it follows the rules of Itch.io and the guidelines of the jam.

Edit;

Can I use [engine]?

Yes, you can use any game engine or tool that you have for your project.

Can I submit fanworks or material not made by me?

Yes, you can create fanworks, but the assets you use must be original or available for free to the public.

can I use unreal engine 5??

Host

Yes, any game engine is allowed!

(+2)

Well you answered my question on jesters. Can I just stop to say thank you for making this jam. We need more clown positivity, thanks to the game Dropsy I learned to love clowns, so I look forward to this jam so much. Can't wait to see the clown love. XD

Also for another question, are fan games allowed? Like say I wanted to include Geiru Toneido from Ace Attorney, so long as all the art I draw is my own, is that acceptable?

Host(+3)

Hey! Thanks a lot! I鈥檓 super happy that you like this jam and that you鈥檙e taking the time to create something for it—I can鈥檛 wait to see what you come up with!

To answer your question: Yep, fan-games or adding characters from established works are totally allowed, as long as the assets are either original or publicly available for free use (with permission from the creators, of course). For example, if Capcom allows Geiru Toneido sprites to be used in fanworks, as long as it doesn鈥檛 step on any copyright toes.

Hope that clears things up! Let me know if you have any other questions. 

Submitted(+1)

Hello fellow clown lovers. Me and a group of friends just so happen to be making a clown based dating game that we've almost finished. Just making sure it does not break any rules as it was made without knowing about this jam and we started development about 3 weeks ago. Is it still possible to join? Thank you.

Host

Yes, your dating game is allowed under the jam rules! 

Here鈥檚 why: The rules say you can submit projects that were started before the jam (like your 3-week-old game), as long as they are new/unreleased and stick to the clown theme. Even if your game is almost done, it qualifies because it hasn鈥檛 been published before, and you could add a small twist for the jam (like a new clown character, scene, or joke) to fit the event鈥檚 spirit—though that鈥檚 not a strict requirement. 

You also meet the important rules: 

  1. Clowns are clearly the main focus in a dating game.
  2. Assets are original or properly licensed (assuming there鈥檚 no AI or stolen art).
  3. The game will be free during the jam .
Submitted

I have an already released game I made for Game Off in November (Poltersprite), but I happen to have effectively doubled the content while also redoing main mechanics entirely, and the new map happens to be a haunted carnival, with one of the new ghost types being a clown! The map is also decorated with many clown dolls, his name is Boxo. The ghost can also make Boxo appear in its room out of nowhere! I'm releasing the updated version of the game tomorrow, and worked on it for about the past 2-3 weeks so within the time frame of the jam. Would I be able to submit this, or is it a no go because it was already released and playable for the previous jam? No hard feelings if so, I figured it doesn't hurt to ask since I changed so much! I'm here to play all the clown games either way lol

Host

Yes! The project would be allowed because it not only has new content, but it also has clowns, and you worked on it during the time frame! Feel free to submit it! Thank you so much for taking interest in the jam. I'm looking forward to playing it!

Submitted

Sweet, thank you! I'm excited to share, just trying to get all my posts and files in order! Boxo will be showing his face here tomorrow!