CARD SYSTEM GAME JAM #1
Design a card game. Not a board game with cards. Not a party game with cards.
A card system. Something expandable. Something replayable. Something interesting.
This jam is dedicated to:
- Trading Card Games (TCG)
- Collectible Card Games (CCG)
- Deckbuilding Games (DBG)
- Living Card Games (LCG)
- Expandable Card Games (ECG)
Physical, printable, experimental, strange, minimal; all welcome.
Theme
There is no required theme.
If you need inspiration:
- Try something experimental
- Try something unconventional
- Try a mechanic you’ve never seen before
Surprise us.
Dates
Start: March 1, 2026 End: May 31, 2026
But If anyone needs more time, let us know.
What You Can Make
Accepted formats:
- Print and Play (preferred)
- PlayingCards.io
- Online platforms (Tabletop Simulator, etc...)
PnP designs are especially encouraged, but not required.
Rules
You may submit:
- Complete games
- Playable prototypes
You may work:
- Solo
- In teams
You may use:
- Pre-existing assets
- Templates
- Stock art or public domain material
- Please consider not using AI; we are all humans here.
Focus on the design. Polish is optional.
Submission Requirements
Your submission should include:
Required:
- A PDF of the cards (simple printing format recommended)
- A rules document
Optional but encouraged:
- Printer-friendly version
- Play-through video
- Photos or screenshots
Make it possible for others to understand and try your game.
Pricing
Your game may be:
- Free
- Paid
If your game is paid, please consider:
- Providing community copies
- Offering a demo or reduced version
This helps other participants experience your work.
Judging
There is no ranking and no winners.
This jam exists to:
- Share ideas
- Test mechanics
- Inspire designers
If you want a challenge, try something really out of the box.
Spirit of the Jam
This jam is about:
- Mechanics over polish
- Creativity over perfection
- Systems over presentation
Rough edges are fine.
Weird ideas are welcome.
Make something playable.