Hello! I've followed GB Compo over the years but never entered. I'd like to do something for the Tool category this year, but have a question about the start date:

For the Tool category, can work on that be started now? Or should it be held off on until May 31st when the jam opens?

I wanted to ask since the Tool category doesn't follow the theme-inclusion rule that the Game category does, so I wasn't sure how that shakes out with the fine details.

Glad you might be joining the compo!

The start date applies to all categories in the same way. So you’ll need to wait until the Jam has started before beginning work on a tool.

Note: Itch displays the start date + time in whatever it thinks your local time zone is - so make note of the hour component too. :)

Non-game categories are exempted from the theme rule since a theme wouldn’t work as well for them.

Right on! I had an idea for a tool and spent about 30 min drafting notes — I'll shelve it and hold off then until June 1st (or whenever the countdown shakes out for my local time).

Looking forward to participating!