Submissions open from 2026-06-18 11:00:00 to 2026-06-21 11:00:00
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Don’t Look Away Jam

Don’t Look Away Jam is a horror game jam about fear, attention, paranoia, and the feeling that something is always watching you.

The main idea is simple: what happens when the player looks away?

Maybe the monster only moves when you are not looking. Maybe the room changes behind your back. Maybe the camera sees something the player cannot. Maybe the safest thing is to stare directly into the dark — even when you really do not want to.

Theme

Don’t Look Away

Your game should be connected to the theme in any way you want.

You can make something scary, strange, psychological, funny, experimental, or atmospheric. The theme does not have to be literal, but it should be felt in the gameplay, story, or mood of the game.

Theme ideas

  • Something moves only when the player is not looking.
  • A creature follows the player from outside the screen.
  • The player must watch cameras to survive.
  • The world changes every time the player turns around.
  • A mirror shows something that should not be there.
  • The game reacts when the player stops paying attention.
  • The player is trapped in a place where blinking, turning, or looking away is dangerous.

What kind of games can you make?

Any type of game is allowed. Your game can be big or small, polished or experimental. The most important thing is atmosphere and creativity.

  • 3D horror game
  • 2D horror game
  • Pixel art game
  • Low poly game
  • PS1 / VHS style horror
  • Text-based horror
  • Point and click horror
  • Survival horror
  • Puzzle horror
  • Short walking simulator
  • Experimental game

You do not need to make a huge game. A short, creepy experience is perfect for this jam.

Rules

  • Your game must be made for this jam.
  • Your game must somehow use the theme: Don’t Look Away.
  • Solo developers and teams are allowed.
  • Any game engine is allowed: Unity, Godot, Unreal Engine, GameMaker, RPG Maker, Construct, custom engine, or anything else.
  • Free assets are allowed, but you must give credit.
  • Paid assets are allowed only if you have the right to use them.
  • AI tools are allowed, but you must mention what was made with AI.
  • No stolen games, stolen assets, or reuploaded projects.
  • No malware, viruses, crypto miners, or harmful files.
  • NSFW content is not allowed.
  • Extreme real-life gore, hate speech, racism, or illegal content is not allowed.

Rating Criteria

After the submission period ends, participants will be able to vote on the games.

Atmosphere

How scary, tense, strange, or uncomfortable does the game feel?

Theme Use

How well does the game use the theme Don’t Look Away?

Creativity

Is the idea original, memorable, or interesting?

Gameplay

Is the game fun, clear, smooth, or engaging to play?

Presentation

How good is the visual style, sound design, UI, and overall polish?

Submission Requirements

When submitting your game, please include:

  • Game title
  • Short description
  • Controls
  • Engine used
  • Credits for assets, music, sounds, fonts, or tools
  • Team members, if you worked in a team
  • Information about AI tools, if you used them

Browser games are recommended, but downloadable games are also allowed.

Tips for Participants

  • Focus on one strong idea instead of making a huge game.
  • Use sound to create tension.
  • Make the player feel unsafe.
  • Do not rely only on jumpscares.
  • Atmosphere is more important than graphics.
  • A short but memorable game is better than a big unfinished one.

Example Game Ideas

The Statue

A statue follows the player through a dark museum, but it only moves when the player looks away.

The Security Room

The player watches cameras in an abandoned building. Every time they switch cameras, something gets closer.

The Mirror

The reflection does not copy the player perfectly. Looking away from the mirror makes the room change.

The Bedroom

The player is a child trying to sleep, but something in the corner moves whenever the lights flicker.

The Forest

The player walks through a dark forest. Looking behind them is the only way to stop something from following.

Community

Be respectful to other developers. Play other games, leave useful feedback, and support each other.

This jam is for learning, experimenting, and making something creepy together.

Beginners are welcome. You do not need to be a professional developer to join.

Hashtag

Use this hashtag when posting about your game:

#DontLookAwayJam

Final Words

Make something scary.

Make something strange.

Make something that makes the player uncomfortable.

And remember...

Don’t Look Away.

My Unity Asset Store Assets

Need tools or ready-made systems for your jam game?

You can check out my assets on the Unity Asset Store. They can help you save time, prototype faster, and focus more on making your horror game scary and playable.

Using my assets is completely optional. You can join the jam with any engine, any tools, and any workflow.

Check my Unity Asset Store assets