This jam is now over. It ran from 2025-03-01 16:00:00 to 2025-03-18 04:00:00. View results


This is our first game jam & are modeling it after Pirate Software's which have been fun.

What is a game jam?

A game jam is a short event with the goal to create a prototype of a game which can be done either solo or in a small team (up to 5 people.) Game jams have a theme which needs to be incorporated into the game in some way with the goal of inspiring different approaches. Don't worry about making things perfect since the goal is to try to submit something within the timeframe–you can always keep working on it afterwards if you want.

Why now?

March 1–17th is Seachtain na Gaeilge, or Irish language week, and is meant to encourage the use of Irish at all skill levels. Irish had been considered a language at risk of dying out but has seen a revival in the last decade thanks to apps like Duolingo. The hope is to make this an annual event leading up to St. Patrick's Day with the hope that maybe some of the submissions might be inspired to include references to Irish language or celtic mythology. It is not required to submit a game about Irish tho unless it is part of the theme

Theme

Language is power

Setup

Rules

  • Teams can include up to 5 people
  • Submissions MUST run in browser through itch.io
  • Do not attempt to sabotage other teams.
  • Be cool to each other.
  • No AI-Generated Content.
  • No Pornographic Content or Nudity.
  • No Illicit Drug References.
  • You can only use assets you have the commercial license for
  • You must follow the Itch.io TOS.
  • Be nice & friendly to others! This isnt an exhaustive list so don't be stupid

Submission

Game prototype

  • Should include at least a basic working copy of your game
  • Focus on playability over anything else
  • You must submit your game as a browser upload through Itch.io and run in the browser to qualify
  • Rating will be done by people who submitted or contributed to a game based on the five categories

Rating

  • Gameplay
    • Were systems in your game clunky or polished?
    • Was the game tripping over itself when the judges tried to play it?
    • Focus on playability and make sure your build works.
    • This is the most important category and counts for a lot.
  • Theme
    • Did your game follow the theme in some way?
    • Did you implement the theme in a clever and interesting way?
  • Innovation
    • Did you have an ingenious mechanic in your game?
    • Maybe you told a story with a very interesting or unique twist.
    • The more clever you are the more likely you are to win.
  • Art direction
    • Everyone has a style that they like or enjoy.
    • Style is not bound only to Triple A assets from major studios.
    • Pixel Art, Midi Songs, Foley work and more all ooze with artistic style.
    • Just make something YOU think works and run with it.

Prizes

More prizes will be announced later

First place 🥇 (by community votes)

  • $50 Steam gift card for each team member (up to 5)
  • Featured on website for game jam recap
  • First place game jam avatar for profile on love.irish

Judges choice ❤️

  • $50 Steam gift card for each team member (up to 5)
  • Featured on website for game jam recap

All submissions

  • Game jam avatar for profile on love.irish

Judges

  • Myk

Resources

  • Pirate Software discord which has a ton of other game developers and channels with more resources to help you build games
  • Develop.games which is also run by Thor @ Pirate Software with more information for resources about building games and the process