In 2021, a group of TTRPG enthusiasts organized an end-of-year gift exchange, allowing creative folks to share their talents with art, writing, game design, and much more. The tradition has continued since, with those administering the event each year taking on the mantle of "Goblins" to help encourage burgeoning creators and old pros alike to share the results of their creativity. The Gregarious Goblin Gift Exchange or GGGE was born.

Each year, a team of Goblins seeks to encourage members of the community to flex their creative muscle, and in the spirit of giving, share their creations with others. Whether that's taken the form of a traditional gift exchange, or secret bunch of goodies, the goal remains the same - to encourage creators of all skill and experience levels to take the plunge and share their work with others!

This year, we're asking participants to create any usable assets (no unfinished works please) such as maps, character drawings, NPC histories, custom items or magic spells, monster stat blocks, short encounters, stories/poems that deepen the lore of a particular setting, or even complete indy games!

Unlike previous years, participants will not be matched with specific recipients or specific Goblin for assistance. Instead, all of the creations will be submitted here and distributed to EVERYONE! There will be no money changing hands nor purchases involved. All items published here should be free until March (check the submission guidelines)! And many will stay free forever!

• Your submission must be a digital item that can be utilized in TTRPGs

• Examples of submissions include, but are not limited to:
  • Simple games/one page RPGs
  • Maps
  • Drawings
  • Character Profiles
  • Tokens
  • Monster Descriptions
  • Stat Blocks
  • NPCs (histories, profiles, stats, etc.)
  • Magic Items
  • Magic Spells
  • Homebrewed/Custom Materials
  • Encounters
  • Short Story/Poem/Song that enhances a game element

• Your item was primarily designed and created during the Game Jam (November 24 - December 22).

• Items may be agnostic (thus usable for any/multiple systems) or specifically for any system of your choice (but you must be conscious of intellectual property restrictions - so please ask if you have a question).

• All submissions will be reviewed for content. A few items will NOT be accepted for the event, including:
  • Physical Entries (crafts, pre-printed materials, etc. - nothing will be sent to anyone else, it must be downloadable)
  • Video Games/Apps/Executable Files of any type (all submissions must be in the form of downloadable media)
  • NSFW Content
  • Hate speech, bigotry, cruelty, excessive gore (where inappropriate), or anything else designed to illicit offense
  • AI created art or writing
  • Images intended to be NFTs
  • Intellectual Property that you do not own (unless you have the rights to use it because of an existing license or in public domain)
  • Stock images, videos, sound, music, etc. taken from an aggregator site without alternation. (NOTE: You can absolute use these elements to create something, however, you can not simply collect existing ones and submit them in a pack as is).
  • Any creations that rely on web tools which retain ownership over images. Note: A tool that allows users a license to distribute their work IS acceptable.
  • "Coupons," "Gift Cards," "Discounts," or any other promise to share/swap future creations.

• You submission MUST be listed as FREE until March.  Items which are listed for a price or a pwyw will be removed from the Jam listing if submitted or changed to such status before March 1st, 2024.

What can I do with all these gifts?

You are free to use them as extensively possible for personal use. You may NOT use any part of any gift for commercial purposes UNLESS the creator specifically gives permission to do so with their submission. Please do NOT ask creators to give you a unique license to use their work after the fact, as they would have included permission if they wished it.

What can I do with my own contributions?

You are absolutely free to use your own contributions as you see fit. You may post or publish them anywhere you like, and you may sell them commercially elsewhere, but the listing with the Game Jam must remain free until March 1st, 2024. We do not take ownership over any content you provide. We have merely organized an event for several creators to publish together and offer the public a place to find their unique gift to the TTRPG community.

Where do I go for help?

If you've got questions, please use the message board associated with the Jam Page. We will do our best to answer you as quickly as possible.

If you're looking for some ideas or want to know more about past entries, you can reach out to any of us on social media or respond to any of our posts on various platforms during the event.

2023 Goblins:

Thogreer
gothHoblin
AceCasinova
Dastardly_Dork
Terrehdactyl
BritandDoug

Do I have to be a professional creator to participate?

No! This is meant to be a fun, creative, sharing event. Your work should be finished and usable in the form you submit. You need not be a pro, but please do not submit anything you would not want to take credit for creating. The expectation is that you spend a few hours to create, but of course you can do more if you wish. Do NOT feel too intimidated to join in the fun - no prior experience or skill level is necessary.

Can I create more than one item or add an existing item?

Sure! You are not limited to adding only one item to the bundle.  We would like you to create something during the event, but if you wish to ALSO add an existing item to share with the other participants, you are welcome to do so.

Does a contribution have to be used with a specific TTRPG?

No! You can create for something specific or just for general use. You do not need to conform to a single game.

Is there a theme?

Yes, though completely optional, if you need a direction or inspiration the theme this year is "Warmth" - and whatever that means to you.

When is the deadline to submit?

December 22, 2023 11:59:59 Eastern US Time

But I've never submitted anything on this platform, and don't know where to begin, should I just give up?

No! Don't be silly. We're here to help!

If you're new to using itch.io, you'll have to create an account (just like any other website). You don't need to worry about making an elaborate profile page. The default will just include your profile name and links to what you've submitted. No need to go any further with it unless you want to.

You'll also have to provide a brief description of your submission and answer a few questions (such as what form it is - you'll probably choose "physical game" as most TTRPGs are listed, to avoid being lumped in with video games, but you might choose "asset" or other relevant category if it suits you. If you'd like, you can upload a picture or screenshot to show off what it is, but it's not required.

This event is about creation and trying new things, so if you're brand new to content creation or brand new to submitting on itch.io you'll be joining a bunch of others. It's not a competition, and your contribution will be just as valuable!

And don't forget to read the next question . . .

What if I have a question, problem, or issue along the way?

Comment on the Jam's message board, reach out to Thogreer, gothHoblin, or any of the Goblins listed above on the social media linked (this list will be updated if any changes are needed), or respond to our promos on various platforms. We'll be happy to give you a hand!