We welcome you to the HSHL Game Jam 2023. This is a 71 hour Game Jam mainly focused on creating little fun and innovative game projects. The Jam begins on the 28th September 6 p.m. and ends on the 1st October 5 p.m.. After that, the submissions will be presented to the judges and voted on right after the end of the Game Jam, via a Discord Session ( Discord invitation link )

Language

Don't worry, you are not bound to use English. You can also use German as your language of choice. We just chose English for the description so that everyone is able to understand all the descriptions and rules of the jam :).

Discord

If you haven't already, please make sure that you join the Discord via this invitation link, since the majority of the Jam's communication and the final presentations of the games will take place there on the stage.

Make sure to read the rules and use your real first- and surname in the HSHL Game Jam Discord. In there, you can also take part in the giveaway in which you can win 1 of 3 free annual subscriptions of the Digital Production Magazine which is in fact our sponsor for this Game Jam.

Theme

The theme for this Game Jam is: Inverted

Prices

There will be prices in the value of

1. Place: 150€
2. Place: 100€
3. Place: 50€

Rules

Who is able to join?
Everyone who is a valid student or graduate of the University of Applied Sciences Hamm-Lippstadt. Teams should be of size 2 - 5 people.

What can I make my game in?
You are free to create a digital videogame with any tool of your choice. However, keep in mind that the judges should be able to test the games themselves pretty easily. Compiling the game as a HTML5 / WebGL Export is preferred, but not necessary. A WebGL Export can be uploaded into Itch.io, so anyone can start playing your game right away in the Browser without the tediousness of downloading and installing your game on the user's machine. Please consider the following additions:

• You can not make games for consoles (so no Super Mario Maker 2 levels or Dreams (PS4) creations).
• You can not require the user to download additional software from external sources (so no ROMs for emulators, or games for Roblox. If your game requires additional files (like DLLs) they should be included in the download and not require seperate installation).
• You can not require the user to have hardware beyond a keyboard and mouse (so no VR games and no controller-only games).
• The itch.io file limit is 1GB

Can I make..?
Your game must not contain nudity, or hateful language or visuals. This could see your game being disqualified. Please consider avoiding extremely strong language and excessive gore, as the jam should be suitable for a general audience. If you're uncertain, raise a question in the Discord which is linked below.

What assets can I use?
You can use whatever art, audio assets, pre-existing code, libraries, and functions you have the legal right to use.

How do I submit a game?
There are a few things you have to consider when submitting a game.

1. upload your game to itch.io like it was any other game. From there you can upload the files, and provide additional details
2. When uploading the game, make it free and set the game as "released" and not as "draft".
3. Any uploaded game comes with its own Website in Itch.io. In there, please provide the following details (if your game does not include these details, it might get disqualified):
   1. A short description of your game
   2. The controls for the game
   3. All Teammembers which created the game in the following pattern: Firstname, Surname, Course of Study and Semester
4. Go to the HSHL Game Jam 2023 page on Itch.io, click submit game and choose your game from the dropdown box. Answer the required questions to complete the submission.
5. Ensure that your game is in the jam by going to your game's Itch.io page and look for the badge that says "Submission to HSHL Game Jam 2023" in the top right.

Who will judge the games?

What will the games be judged on?
Games are given 1-5 star ratings in each category, or N/A where not applicable and will be ranked against the following criteria:
1. Use of Contest Theme
2. Fun Factor
3. Visuals
4. Audio