[CoolKidJam2025]: A 1 week Community Game Jam

Tagline: Make something small, weird, and wonderful.

 Theme: Revealed at start! Location: Online (global) Engine/Tools: Anything goes Team Size: Solo or teams up to [N] Skill Level: Beginners welcome Registration: Free Hashtag: #[CoolKidJam2025]

Why join?

• Make a complete, playable thing in a weekend.
• Meet collaborators and get feedback.
• Build portfolio pieces and try new tools.

Theme

The theme will be revealed at the start of the jam: [Theme Placeholder]

You’re free to interpret the theme literally or metaphorically. Think of it as a creative constraint, not a cage. Bonus kudos for clever twists!

Rules 

1. Start fresh when the jam begins. Pre‑made generic assets (fonts, SFX packs, code libraries, your own reusable tools) are fine. No previously released games.
2. Original work only. You must have rights to everything you submit (see Licensing below).
3. Safe‑for‑all: No hate speech, harassment, or NSFW content. Keep it respectful and inclusive.
4. Scope small: The game should be playable within 5–10 minutes.
5. Team size: Solo or up to [N] members. Credit all contributors.
6. Submissions must run on Web (preferred), Windows, macOS, or Linux. Mobile is optional.
7. Disclosure: Clearly credit all third‑party assets in your project page.
8. No generative content that violates rights: If you use AI tools, you must have licenses/rights and disclose where they were used.

Breaking rules may result in removal at host discretion.

Submissions

• What to upload:
  • A playable build (HTML5/WebGL preferred) or downloadable builds for desktop.
  • A cover image (1200×675 recommended) and at least 3 screenshots.
  • A short description (what’s the hook?), controls, and credits.
  • Optional: Source code link (GitHub/itch/zip) under a license you choose.
• Page checklist:
  • Title & one‑line pitch
  • Controls list
  • Team & roles
  • Asset attributions & licenses
  • Known bugs + how to restart/quit

Judging & Community Voting

We’ll use a mix of community ratings and judge picks. Each submission is rated on the following criteria (0–5):

• Theme Fit (25%) – How cleverly is the theme used?
• Design & Fun (25%) – Is it engaging to play?
• Originality (15%) – Fresh ideas, twists, or aesthetics.
• Presentation (15%) – Visuals, audio, UI polish.
• Accessibility & Clarity (10%) – Controls, onboarding, readability.
• Technical Execution (10%) – Stability, performance, completeness.

Optional Bonus: Accessibility extras (e.g., remappable keys, color‑blind‑safe palettes, captions) may earn shout‑outs and judge favor.

Voting Window: [Start → End]. Winners announced on [Date @ Time].

Awards & Prizes

• 🏆 Best Overall — [you will be king jamer”]

(If no physical prizes, emphasize showcases, streams, or feedback sessions.)

Schedule

• Kickoff + Theme Reveal: [Fri,Augest,15,2025]
• Mid‑Jam Check‑in / Playtest Stream: [Sat, augest,16,2025]
• Submission Deadline: sun,Augest,17,2025
• Grace Period (uploads only): day before ending period
• Voting: [end of the jam]
• Results & Showcase: tues, Augest, 20,2025@ HH:MM]

All times shown in [mountain time]; use a time zone converter for your local time.

Teaming Up

• Find teammates in the community: [Discord/Forum link].
• Suggested roles: Design, Programming, Art, Audio, Production.
• Be clear about expectations, scope, and time availability.

Tools & Resources

Use any engine or tools you like (Unity, Unreal, Godot, GameMaker, Ren’Py, Bitsy, Pico‑8, Construct, Phaser, Three.js, Roblox Studio, etc.).

Asset libraries allowed with proper licenses/credit: itch.io asset store, OpenGameArt, Kenney, freesound, Google Fonts, CC‑licensed packs, etc.

Licensing & Rights

• You keep all rights to your game. By submitting, you grant the host permission to feature your game on jam pages/streams/socials.
• If you share source, pick a license (MIT, Apache‑2.0, GPL, CC‑BY, CC‑BY‑SA, etc.) and include a LICENSE file.
• Clearly list all third‑party assets and their licenses on your game page.

Code of Conduct

We aim for a friendly, inclusive jam.

• Be respectful. No harassment or discrimination.
• Keep content PG‑13; avoid hateful or sexually explicit material.
• Follow platform ToS and local laws.
• Report issues to [Contact or Mod handle].

Consequences for violations may include warnings or removal.

Accessibility Tips (Quick Wins)

• Provide a controls list and a pause/quit option.
• Limit heavy screen shake; add a toggle if used.
• Avoid relying on color alone; ensure contrast is sufficient.
• Offer subtitles/captions for important audio.
• Allow mouse + keyboard and gamepad where possible.

FAQ

Can I start early? No. Prep your tools/boilerplate, but build the game after theme reveal.

Can I use AI? Yes, if you have rights, and you disclose where/how it was used. No copyrighted training‑data dumps or impersonations.

Can I update after the deadline? Minor fixes during the grace period are okay. Post‑deadline updates are allowed after voting closes; keep the jam build available.

Can I submit multiple games? Yes, but you’ll split your time. One strong entry > many half‑finished ones.

Are non‑digital or tabletop games allowed? If playable via print‑and‑play or TTS/simulator and judges can try it—yes! Provide clear rules.

Age restrictions? Participants must comply with platform rules; if under 18, get guardian permission.

How to Submit (Step‑by‑Step)

1. Create your game page with title, pitch, screenshots, and downloads/Web build.
2. Add controls, credits, licenses, and asset attributions.
3. Click “Submit your project” on this jam page and select your game.
4. Double‑check your playability (it launches!) and permissions.

Contact & Community

• Email: [draven2000draven@gmail.com]

• Stream/Showcase: [https://www.twitch.tv/crispyconcordskid]

We can’t wait to see what you make. Build small. Finish strong. Have fun