Welcome to the Kwyll Game Jam: a two-week challenge to create a brand-new game for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum.
That means chunky pixels, limited colours, tiny amounts of memory and absolutely no room for unnecessary nonsense. It also means that a strong idea, a few well-designed rooms and an entertaining game mechanic can go a very long way.
You do not need years of programming experience. You do not even need to know how to write code.
Using Kwyll, you can build a real ZX Spectrum game with visual tools, creating rooms, objects, graphics and game logic without having to wrestle directly with Z80 assembly language.
At the beginning of the jam, we will reveal a theme. From that moment, you will have 14 days to learn the basics of Kwyll, interpret the theme and turn your idea into a playable Spectrum game.
Keep it small. Make it fun. Finish something.
And try not to run out of memory
Create a game in Kwyll based on the jam’s secret theme.
How you interpret the theme is entirely up to you. It can inspire your story, setting, characters, mechanics or even an especially terrible pun.
Aim for something that another person can pick up, understand and enjoy.
Kwyll is a visual game-creation tool for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum.
It allows you to design graphics, build rooms, place objects and create game logic using a node-based system. Kwyll handles the underlying Spectrum code, leaving you free to concentrate on making the game.
Kwyll currently creates games specifically for the ZX Spectrum, so the limitations of the machine are part of the challenge.
You will be working with:
A special version of Kwyll will be made available at no cost for the duration of the jam on the Kwyll itch page:
https://indigobeetle.itch.io/kwyll
Kwyll will ask for a license code in order to export your game to play on a Spectrum or emulator, a special license has been created that will operate for the duration of the jam, enter the value below to unlock Kwyll.
4PQH-KP2D-4FMQ
Be aware that Kwyll is still in beta and may have some bugs, it has been used to create a number of games already, and everyone will be working with the same version and subject to the same difficulties. I'll be on hand on the Discord server to help.
Everyone is welcome.
You can enter whether you are:
No previous experience with Kwyll, the ZX Spectrum or programming is required.
The jam lasts for two weeks specifically to give newcomers time to learn the tool, experiment and still produce a small game.
You may work alone or as part of a team.
Most importantly: be supportive, share what you learn and do not worry if your first Spectrum game is slightly peculiar. Slightly peculiar Spectrum games are part of a proud tradition.
Something achievable.
Two weeks is enough time to make a compact arcade game, puzzle game, adventure, platformer, maze game or something that does not fit neatly into any recognised genre.
A good jam entry might have:
You do not need to demonstrate every feature in Kwyll. Choose the features that support your idea and leave the rest for another game.
The Spectrum’s limitations are not obstacles to work around. They are ingredients.
Create an itch.io page for your entry and submit it to the jam before the deadline.
Your page should include:
You are also encouraged to share development screenshots, discoveries, mistakes and unexpectedly aggressive enemy behaviour in the jam community.
Entries will be considered in the following areas:
How inventively and effectively does the game use the theme?
Is the game enjoyable, understandable and satisfying to play?
How well do the graphics, sound and overall atmosphere work together?
Does the game do something surprising, distinctive or memorable?
Does the game make effective use of the character and limitations of the ZX Spectrum?
Does the entry feel like a finished game rather than the opening room of a much larger one?
Technical complexity is not the main goal. A simple game that is polished and fun can score far more highly than an ambitious game that barely works.
The theme will remain secret until the jam begins.
When the clock reaches 1st August 2026, 09:00 BST, it will be revealed on this page and in the jam community.
No preparation is necessary beyond downloading Kwyll, trying the introductory tutorials and ensuring that your tape-loading patience is fully charged.
Fourteen days.
One classic 8-bit computer.
A tiny amount of memory.
And whatever strange game idea appears when the theme is revealed.
Download Kwyll, join the jam and make something that could have arrived on a cassette tape from an alternate version of the 1980s.
Good luck—and remember to save your project....often!
