Submissions open from 2026-03-27 22:00:00 to 2026-04-06 22:00:00
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Valthorne • Biblical Game Jam

Make a game with a theme inspired by anything biblical. Tell a story. Share a testimony. Explore a parable. Make something creative that clearly connects.

Theme: Biblical Engine: Any Genre: Anything Solo or Teams Keep it Clean

📅 Jam Dates

Timeframe: March 27th, 2026 – April 6th, 2026
(Ends the day after Easter)

Timezone: America/Chicago (Central Time)
Submit before the countdown hits zero.

Theme: “Biblical” — a story from Scripture, a parable-inspired idea, a historical moment, a testimony, a devotional concept, a lesson you’ve learned, a character journey, or anything else that clearly connects.

✨ What is Valthorne?

Valthorne is a game engine I’ve been building for many months. It’s named after the game concepts I’ve created over many years for the world of Valthorne.

This jam is also an opportunity to showcase and advertise Valthorne. You are free to use any engine/framework you want — Unity, Godot, Unreal, GameMaker, custom engines, anything. But if you’re willing, I’d love for you to try Valthorne and ship something with it!

Tip: If you use Valthorne, mention it on your submission page so people can discover it.

✅ Jam Requirements

  • Your game must relate to the Bible. (direct retelling or inspired-by is fine)
  • Use any game engine/framework you want. Valthorne is encouraged, not required.
  • Any genre is welcome: story, puzzle, platformer, RPG, roguelike, VN, arcade, etc.
  • Solo or teams are welcome.

🧭 Content Guidelines (Important)

Please do not include content that goes against the Bible. Keep your submission respectful and aligned with biblical values.
  • Keep it clean and appropriate.
  • Avoid mocking God, Scripture, or Christian faith.
  • If you’re unsure, choose the safer direction.

💡 Theme Ideas

  • Scripture story: Exodus, Judges, David, Esther, Jonah, Acts, etc.
  • Parable-inspired: Good Samaritan, Prodigal Son, Sower, Lost Sheep, etc.
  • Psalm / proverb mood: comfort, wisdom, fear, joy, perseverance.
  • Virtues: forgiveness, humility, courage, patience, self-control.
  • Testimony: a journey, restoration, calling, answered prayer.
  • Bible-adjacent: a fictional story clearly mirroring biblical truth.
Quick theme check: If someone played your game, could they explain the biblical connection in one sentence? If yes — you’re good.

📦 What to Submit

  • A playable build (Web or Desktop are both welcome)
  • A short description of what you made and how it connects to the theme
  • Controls (keyboard/mouse/controller) + any accessibility notes
  • Credits for assets, music, fonts, tools, and teammates

Recommended: include 2–6 screenshots and a short GIF. It helps people try your game.

🧾 Rules

  • Be respectful. This jam is about biblical inspiration, not attacking others.
  • Keep it clean. Think: “safe to show at church / youth group.”
  • Asset policy: Original, commissioned, or properly licensed assets are allowed — credit required.
  • Pre-made work: Allowed if disclosed (code, art, music, etc.).
Disclosure suggestion: Add a short “Used pre-made assets/code” section on your submission page.

🏁 Recommended “Done” Goal

Aim for a small, complete experience: one core mechanic, one loop, one ending.

  • Start with a playable prototype fast.
  • Cut scope early and often.
  • Polish your best 1–2 moments.
  • Clear tutorial text beats confusion.
  • Simple UI beats fancy UI.
  • Ship a build you’d replay.
Optional prompt: “What does this game want the player to feel, learn, or remember?” Build everything around that.

⭐ Optional Judging (if you enable ratings)

These categories work great for this jam:

  • Theme Connection (clarity + thoughtfulness)
  • Fun / Engagement
  • Presentation (visuals/audio/feel)
  • Innovation (creative interpretation)

❓ FAQ
  • Do I have to use Valthorne? No. Use any engine/framework you want. Valthorne is encouraged, not required.
  • Can I use free assets? Yes, as long as the license allows it and you credit properly.
  • Can I work after the deadline? You can keep improving, but submit a jam build before it ends.
  • Can teams join? Absolutely.

🙌 Closing

Make something small, meaningful, and finished. Be bold, be creative, and have fun building. And if you try Valthorne, thank you — it helps a ton.