Carts of the ROM can also be purchased at cost here.
The Theme is:
An Awesome Discovery
Calling All Pixel Artists!
The GB Studio Pixel Art Jam 2023 is an image based art jam designed to encourage artists to try their hand in making beautiful pixel art for the Game Boy. Instead of a juried or rated/ranked competition, this Jam will function like a creative studio event where submissions will be included in a Gallery ROM created with GB Studio that can be played on a Game Boy. We want to challenge artists to make something that will work in the context of a GB Studio project, so there are technical parameters that must be followed for your entry to qualify.
Prizes
Ten submissions will be randomly selected to win a Game Boy Cart of the Gallery ROM produced from the images submitted, provided in part by insideGadgets. Of the ten winners, one will be selected to win a one-of-a-kind custom etched anodized aluminum cart courtesy of Boxy Pixel.
Many thanks to insideGadgets and Boxy Pixel for helping to support this event!
Image Parameters
All files must be:
- 160 x 144 pixels in dimension (the size of a Game Boy screen)
- 4 colors, using the GB Studio Palette
- A maximum of 192 unique 8x8 pixel tiles
- PNG format
While the Game Boy and GB Studio are able to render more than 192 tiles, that is the limit for displaying dialogue on screen. We'll be using dialogue boxes for the artist credits and links, hence the limitation, plus it adds an extra layer of challenge.
Rules
Jam runs from September 29th 7:00 PM EST to October 1st 7:00 PM EST. All submissions must be original pieces of pixel art created by hand. Pieces should reflect the theme (to be announced on September 29th, 12:00 PM EST). One submission per person.
As pieces are to be created by hand, images created with camera based image tools (including the GB Camera), AI generated art, or images built in other software then downsampled to GB specifications are not permitted. Using other images as references is allowed. The hosts of the Jam reserve the right to disqualify submissions if use of these tools is suspected, or if images submitted are low effort or overtly used as self promotional and not in the spirit of the Jam. Any "style" of pixel art is welcome and you are encouraged to showcase your unique take on the medium.
NSFW material is not permitted. All work must be family friendly, no depictions of violence, gore, nudity or sexual activity.
By submitting to this Jam, you agree to allow your work to be used in the Gallery ROM that will be produced for this event. The ROM will be available as a free Digital Download after the event. You also allow for your work to be shared and published/reproduced in GB Studio Central's other media, such as our social media networks, website and magazine. All work will be credited and links to your profile/portfolio will be included if provided with your submission.
Resources
To help you make sure your pixel art conforms to GB Studio specifications, check out these resources:
Official GB Studio Documentation
Basics: Backgrounds on GB Studio Central
Participants are encouraged to share tips or other resources and links in the community message board for this Jam.
Submission Tips
Make sure the file uploaded is the correct size PNG that follows the format specifications listed above. An upscaled image (nearest neighbour to preserve "crisp" pixels) should be used for both the submission cover image and screenshot. This will allow for quick previews of the images in the Jam's submission page.