This is a 48-hour game jam built around a single fun idea: homonyms.
At the very beginning of the jam, a theme word will be revealed. Your job is to choose one valid definition of that word and create a game that embodies that definition.
For example, if the theme word is "bat", one participant might make a baseball game using a bat, while another might make a game where you are a vampire bat. Same word, completely different meaning!~
How you interpret the theme is up to you ;) Get creative, get weird, and see how many different directions one word can take.
Important: Your submission does not need to incorporate every meaning of the theme word. Your game should clearly represent one valid definition of the word.
🟢 Jam Begins October 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM EST
🎮 Development October 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM EST → October 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM EST
🔴 Submission Deadline October 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM EST
🗳️ Voting October 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM EST → October 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM EST
That's 48 hours of development and 5 days of voting!
During the voting phase, I'll be taking some time to stream my play through of submissions! Hope you can drop by and check it out~
The definition of the theme word represented by your game must be a valid definition found on at least one of the following dictionaries:
If you're unsure whether your interpretation qualifies, check one of these dictionaries before submitting.
Your game MUST be made within the official jam period. Development begins when the jam starts and ends when the submission deadline is reached.
Your game must be completed and submitted by October 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM EST.
You are welcome to use any assets you want, including art, music, sound effects, code, fonts, or other resources, as long as you have the legal rights to use them.
In other words: use whatever helps you make your game, but don't use something you don't have permission to use.
Right now, the whooooole wide world is in turmoil about AI... I get it. Here in my little corner of the internet, you may use AI to a reasonable degree. A jack of all trades is a master of none, so if you need a little bit of help from your preferred AI tooling then that's alright.
We DON'T wanna see something made from A-to-Z with AI ʕ ¬`ᴥ´¬ * ʔ So if you use it, explain in your submission where and how. The voters will decide your fate.
Please rate your fellow participants fairly.
Any submission whose creator(s) are found to be deliberately handing out malicious or unfairly low ratings to other participants in an attempt to gain an advantage will be disqualified.
Criticism is completely fine. Honest ratings are encouraged. Deliberately manipulating the voting process is not.
You can participate completely by yourself, or you can form a team!
However, there is only one prize per winning submission, regardless of how many people contributed to the game.
This is a game jam, so don't worry about making something perfect. Experiment, try something unusual, and most importantly: have fun with the theme!
⭐ Adheres to the Chosen Definition?
Primary rating. Does the game clearly and meaningfully represent a valid definition of the theme word that the creator chose?
🎮 Fun?
Is the game enjoyable and engaging to play?
🎨 Visually Appealing?
Does the game's visual presentation add to the experience?
💡 Unique?
Does the game offer an interesting, creative, or memorable take on its chosen definition?
🎵 Good Background Music?
Does the BGM enhance the game's atmosphere and overall experience?
Once voting ends, submissions will be ranked based on their votes. I will not be participating in these votes, so it's up to you guys to evaluate each other ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Submissions are competing for:
Winning 50 bucks in Steam cash :DDD
Winning 25 bucks in Steam cash :D
Winning 10 bucks in Steam cash :3
There is one prize per winning submission, regardless of how many people contributed to the submission. The prize is awarded to the winning submission rather than individually to each team member.
The winners will be determined by the community's votes at the end of the voting period.
What exactly is a homonym?
"Homonym, noun: one of two or more words spelled and pronounced alike but different in meaning (such as the noun `quail` and the verb `quail`)"
- Merriam-Webster
Basically, its one word that can have different meanings or uses.
Do I have to use every definition of the theme?
No! Pick one valid definition and build your game around it. Participants can choose different meanings of the same theme word, and it's okay if ideas repeat... the other voting criteria will help submissions stand out in quality.
Can I participate alone?
Yes! Solo developers are absolutely welcome. Teams are welcome too.
Can I use premade assets?
Sure! Any assets are allowed as long as you have the rights to use them.
When is the theme revealed?
The theme word will be announced here right when the game jam begins :3
When does voting end?
Voting ends October 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM EST.
Will I continue to own my submission?
Yep! Whatever you create and submit for this jam-a-nym is totally yours.
This is the first game jam I will ever host, so if you have questions or feedback please feel welcome to let me know~!
