The theme of this game jam is to make games that emphasize the importance of social distancing in combating the spread of COVID-19. Games should provide accurate information and provide players with a greater understanding of social distancing.

Official Game Jam Rules

Software

Participants will be allowed to use any software or programming languages available to them, either on the internet or on their computers for the duration of the game jam. Participants are encouraged to download student versions of popular game development software such as Unity, Unreal Engine, Maya, Houdini, the Adobe Creative Suite, etc. for this event.

Code & Content

All game code and content must be created during the game jam period, the use of content created prior to the jam is prohibited. Participants may use assets online that are available for free as long as they are properly credited. Participants are encouraged to use as much original content as possible.

Submitting Your Game

Games must be submitted online at www.itch.io/jam/covid-19-game-jam by midnight CST April 26th. Your upload should include a short description of your game, any devices or directions required for running the game, the game title, the team name, names of all team members, and a .zip file of the game.  Make sure to test your files before submitting them!

Judging Criteria for COVID-19 Jam
Judging video games is always a challenging thing to do. Everyone has different experiences and tastes when it comes to games. With this in mind, the judging and judges are focused on looking at these games as objectively as possible for the following criteria. 

Adherence to Prompt
The game should leave players with an increased understanding of social distancing and it’s importance. The game should use only reliable facts regarding COVID-19. The game should encourage social distancing and measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 in a healthy, safe way. Use of falsehoods and information that could influence unhealthy or unsafe behavior will directly impact the game’s rating.

Programming
Innovation
This is typically difficult to determine because, as judges, you are very unlikely to see the actual code. However, if a game does something that is more difficult than most other games it’s competing with - AI or realistic physics that expands the limitations of the game engine - then that qualifies as innovative.
Quality
There are little to no bugs or crashes found while playing through the game. The player can experience the game without encountering significant issues.
Completeness
The entire expected feature set is working in game. There is a solid beginning and end to the gameplay without it coming to an abrupt end.

Game Design
Innovation
Does the game stand out from the rest in some way. Use of the theme in an interesting or highly effective way in regards to other participants can warrant innovation.
Quality
Does the player understand what they’re supposed to do and how they are supposed to do it? Use of design and UI should assist players in reaching game objectives. Game controls should be intuitive and understood by the player.
Completeness
Does the game feel complete? Are there all the expected features and mechanics? 

Art
Innovation
The graphics and animations stand out distinctly from the majority of other games. Styles, technical accomplishments, or other achievements displayed by only a select few games will be seen as innovative.
Quality
Although this can be seen as subjective, the important factor for judging is that the game looks cohesive. The art style should fit the look and feel of the game.
Completeness
Are all the expected graphical elements included? All elements from environments to characters should be in the game.

Sound
Innovation
Typically only a few teams incorporate their own sound. Teams who have recorded their own effects and composed their music will stand out in this area.
Quality
The important thing is that the audio is not distracting and feels like it belongs in the game. Audio adds to the experience and feel of the game.
Completeness
Any expected audio effects, dialogue, or background music are present.