Welcome to Escape Jam 2025

This event will offer you the chance to collaborate, experiment, and push the boundaries of what you can create in the world of gaming. Whether you’re a designer, artist, animation wizard, or a graphic artist, this is your opportunity to dive into a new way of working and plump up your portfolio with something potential employers can actually play!

What is a Game Jam, and who can participate?

It's a fun event where any student of Escape Studios can form a group* or work solo to create a small game within a fixed time frame. 

Don't worry about making your magnum opus, or a perfectly polished game. This is about putting something together that is PLAYABLE. That's it.

*There's no maximum group size.

What is the Theme?

The theme of this Side Quest Game Jam is:

..."PATHFINDING"...

Game jam themes can be specific, nebulous, or abstract. They are intended to inspire, not dictate. For example a theme could be a simple word like "Windows" or a vague concept like "Last Summer". The idea is that you use this as a inspiration and filter for your initial ideas and then a pillar for your final game.

Art Packs!

If you don't have an artist on your team, that's OK! Our MArt students have kindly produced some art packs to give you a head start on the visual side of your game. IF/How you use them is up to you. You can also use any other free assets you find on the store as long as the license they give you permits it.

ART PACKS

IMPORTANT: Games you create using Escape Studios equipment and software are may ONLY be distributed on a NON-COMMERCIAL basis.

When should we work on our games?

This event is separate from your other course work, and should be seen as a fun project but NOT A PRIORITY. Your assignments always come first. As such we have structured this Jam to run over a two week period, allowing plenty of room to collaborate outside of your study time.

How are the games scored?

1. Is the game playable?

2. Is the game fun?

3. How does the game meet the theme?

4. Quality of the mechanics/systems/content.

Is there a prize?

Whether you win or not, you will have a unique portfolio piece. You will also get personal feedback from the Game Design Tutors on your project. We may also choose to post your work to studio socials and show it off to industry partners if it is particularly impressive - this is industry exposure!

SUBMISSION DETAILS

All projects must be submitted before the deadline in order to be considered.

!!All projects must be playable in the browser!!

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