Mouse Jam is a Game Jam run by Ironmouse!

In this event, you'll have to create a game that fits Ironmouse theme OR an Ironmouse + Bubi theme! Once the Jam is over, all submissions will be open for voting by the community. Mouse will play the Top 20 games on stream and pick her favorite 5.

Rules

• Games submitted must not include offensive, discriminatory, or NSFW content of any kind. This is an event for anyone and everyone! So don’t be rude.
• Games submitted must be done through itch.io for rating.
• Games submitted must be published to be played on browsers (bonus thumbs up for mobile compatibility!) or Windows desktop, without requiring extra hardware.
• The game's primary language must be in English.
• You may team up! And we encourage it. The maximum number of team members allowed is 6. 
• The game itself must be made within the jam time period, and you may not submit any work or updates during the voting period.
• You may use pre-made, publicly available, and purchased assets, or other assets you have the legal rights to use. Just remember to credit properly. 
• You can use pre-existing code, extensions, and functions. But do not write code specifically for this jam ahead of time.
• Use of Generative AI is NOT ALLOWED in any capacity. This includes but is not limited to: Audio/Music, Imagery, Game Assets, and Code Scripting. 
• No individual or team shall create, distribute, or publish games that include characters, logos, names, or any other elements that are copyrighted or trademarked by other entities without obtaining explicit permission from the copyright or trademark holders.
• Once the submission period ends on September 1st, no updates to game content are allowed until voting is complete. Once voting is complete, bug fixes and quality of life fixes are allowed up until Mouse plays the game on stream. These UPDATES SHOULD NOT INCLUDE ADDITIONAL CONTENT and should be uploaded as separate versions. 
Updates to the game page, cover art, and game name are allowed at any time during the event. Entries caught violating the no-update policy upon review pre-stream will be automatically disqualified.
• If your country or area of residence is any of the following, you  are not eligible and cannot participate in the event and will be automatically disqualified: North Korea, Russia, Iran, Syria, Middle East, Cuba, Somalia, Sudan, China and Kazakhstan.

Ratings

• Fun & Game Design: Do you want to continue playing? How enjoyable is the game? Is the interface usable?
• Audio: How nice does the game sound? Does it implement cool music and sound effects?
• Visual Style: How nice does the game look? Is the art nice to look at?
• Originality & Innovation: How often did you say "Wow! That's unexpected and clever" when playing?
• Theme: How relevant is the game to the jam's theme?

Once the submission period is closed, you will have two weeks to rate other people’s games.

Prizes

Ironmouse will play the Top 20 rated games live on stream. The top 5 games that Ironmouse selects as the winning entries will receive $1500 USD each.

PLEASE NOTE: If the country or area you reside in does not accept wire transfers from a US bank or Paypal then you cannot participate in this event and you will be automatically disqualified. 

PRIZE LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The following legal disclaimer governs the terms and conditions related to any prize money awarded in connection with Mouse Jam 2024 ("Event"). By participating in the Event and accepting any prize money, you ("Participant") acknowledge and agree to the following:

Eligibility: Participants must meet all eligibility requirements as outlined by the Event organizers for Mouse Jam 2024, including age restrictions, residency limitations, and any other criteria specified in the Event rules.

Accurate Information: Participants must provide accurate and truthful information when entering Mouse Jam 2024, including contact details and any other requested information. Failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification and forfeiture of any prize money.

Compliance with Laws: Participants must comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including those related to intellectual property rights, privacy, and the use of third-party assets, materials, or content. Any violation of these laws may lead to disqualification and legal consequences.

Taxes and Expenses: Participants are solely responsible for any taxes, fees, or expenses associated with the receipt and use of prize money from Mouse Jam 2024. The Mouse Jam 2024 organizers will not be held liable for any tax obligations or financial consequences arising from the receipt of prize money.

Award Decisions: The decisions of the Mouse Jam 2024 organizers regarding the allocation and distribution of prize money are final and binding. Participants agree not to challenge or dispute these decisions.

Release and Indemnity: By participating in Mouse Jam 2024, Participants release the Mouse Jam 2024 organizers, their affiliates, partners, sponsors, employees, and representatives from any liability, claims, demands, or damages arising out of or in connection with Mouse Jam 2024, including the receipt and use of prize money.

Intellectual Property: Participants retain ownership of any intellectual property rights they hold in their submitted work for Mouse Jam 2024, subject to any license or agreement specified in the Event rules. However, Participants grant the Mouse Jam 2024 organizers a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, distribute, and display their submitted work for the purpose of promoting Mouse Jam 2024.

Governing Law: This legal disclaimer shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction of Cook County, Illinois.

By participating in Mouse Jam 2024 and accepting any prize money, Participants signify their understanding and agreement to all the terms and conditions set forth in this legal disclaimer. Participants should review and ensure their compliance with the Event rules and any additional terms provided by the Mouse Jam 2024 organizers.