Have you come up with a really nice game or mechanic idea that doesn't quite fit what you're working on?

Are you having a hard time finding an excuse to work on something different than your main project or just simply need a short creative break to work on something different?

#DevIdeaWeek might be right for you!

Taking place during the first full week of every month, #DevIdeaWeek is a monthly initiative to give developers a chance to prototype ideas they can't otherwise work on! 

While the chosen format for this initiative is a jam, it's not meant to be treated as such! Simply use this time to casually flesh out and prototype your ideas - even across the other #DevIdeaWeek timeframes- submit what you've made, and I'll share them on my Twitter! Think of the monthly jams as containers for those ideas- the idea is to have an excuse to work on things that are otherwise put aside because of other obligations~ The most important thing is that you have an opportunity to work on something you want to work on, instead of burning out creatively with other projects!

FAQ:

Q: Why?
A: We've all been there- we work on a project that sucks up all of our time, and almost feel bad having ideas for other games. We tuck those games away into a box labeled "someday..." and never touch them. Unfortunately- inspiration doesn't decide to stop coming just because we're committed to something else, and having an outlet for that inspiration is essential for not burning out! I want to see developers making what they want to make, even if it means taking a couple days to mess around.

Q: What is the benefit?
A: Avoiding creative burnout is important, and most developers are heavily committed to projects already to the point that they feel guilty wanting to work on something else, even if it's just something small. While this is meant to ease that feeling, I also want devs to be able to float their ideas around in a public space- give people a chance to show their interest in what the developer is thinking about, and help guide them to their next project by showing them the viability of their ideas.

Q: Why is this a jam?
A: While this is using the "jam" hosting feature of itch, think of it less as a jam, and more as a container for your ideas. I want to encourage developers to participate maybe a little each time this event is hosted to better flesh out their ideas if they can't participate for the whole week. I also want to draw attention to the developer's efforts on social media, and so everyone is encouraged to share ideas of interest using the #DevIdeaWeek hashtag!

Q: I'm participating! What should I be doing?
A: Use this time as an excuse to make something you've been wanting to try out for a while! When you're ready, submit your project (even if it an unfinished state), and tweet about it using the #DevIdeaWeek hashtag! I'll check it out and share it with my followers as well, and I encourage everyone to do the same! Don't forget, it's encouraged to participate at least a little bit each month during the event, so don't fret too much if you can't make a fully realized idea during the week!

I look forward to seeing the ideas you have brewing!