Hello! The Master Game Jam is for creating games that feel like something you'd find on the SEGA Master System/Mark III. They don't need to be playable on these systems; just have the right "feel".

1. No AI. None at all. Game jams are a way to express human creativity and generative AI compromises that.
2. Your game must be made once the jam actually starts and not before. Uploads will be locked when the voting period begins, and then unlocked once the jam has concluded. Once the jam is finished you may do with your game what you like.
3. Pre-made assets are allowed as long as you have the right to use them, but please disclose and credit them on your project page. You'll also need to ensure they use the correct palette. When possible it's best to use original assets, but I understand time is an issue for many people.
4. Feel free to use any engine or framework. While web builds are optional, people are more likely to play those out of convenience.

Resolution: Game must be playable within a 256x192 resolution (256x224 and 256x240 is also allowed).

Colors: The master system palette must be used. I will provide both the original, and my reduced version (half the size) below.

Input: Input should mirror the master system controller: D-pad, button 1, button 2. You're allowed an additional button for pause/menu/map or any other UI feature, but it should not be used as an extra action button. The pause button on the original console was on the console itself.

Audio: While I don't expect anyone to create audio identical to the SN76489 chip, as long as it's chiptune and sounds like something you might hear on the master system, that's totally fine. To give you an idea, the sound chip consisted of only square channels and noise. Some basic FM synthesis is also allowed seems it was possible with special chips.

The theme is: SALVAGE 

The theme is completely up to you to interpret however you see fit, but here's some examples to get the ball rolling!

• Dig through shipwrecks
• Recover treasure
• Salvage lost memories
• Save what's left of a dying world
• Use salvaged parts to solve puzzles
• Your weapon keeps breaking; collect parts to repair it 
  

The Master System Palette

Above is the original 64 color master system palette, but if you'd prefer to use my reduced version (32 colors) it's probably easier to work with. It covers all the core colors and removes colors so close they could be considered duplicates.

Looking for inspiration?

If you're new to the master system platform the palette can look a little daunting. MobyGames has a whole bunch of screenshots from various games to give you an idea of how they used the palette. Don't "borrow" assets from here, but do use them to learn from!

Thirsty for more?

Eager for more retro goodness? Why not check out our friends over at the GB Jam. The next gameboy jam starts in September and it's a heck of a good time.