PLOT: it's the actual storyline of the piece. It's what you get if you strip away everything but what happens. 

CHARACTERS: character writing is the aspect of game writing that fleshes out the characters and focuses on their lives and their struggles. 

LORE: everything that makes the world feel vibrant and alive. It's the stuff that makes it feel like the world you're playing in existed long before your characters got there, and that it exists outisde of whatever your character is doing. 

If you want to know more about this three pillars go check out this awesome extra credits video (we actually got some info for the descriptions from there <3). 

NDJAM 7 WINNER!

THEME

A week or so before the jam starts we'll be opening the #theme-vote channel so you guys can submit your theme ideas. After that we'll be closing the channel and decide between the admins what theme to actually choose.

OCEAN: Waves go up and down with or without you...

OPTIONAL THEMES

They're as the name indicates: optional themes. You can use them if you want but you don’t have to. Not having them won’t affect the score of your game. These optional themes are revealed at the same time as the theme. 

ELEVATOR: Make your games main focus be an elevator, being the main setting or being where something important happens or...

IMAGINATION IS REAL: I think on that, therefore it now exists! :D

GRAVEYARD SHIFT: A work shift running through the late hours of the night through the early hours of the morning, typically from midnight until 8 am.

RULES

• No NSFW games (slightly suggestive or violent games are ok, just don’t go overboard). 
• Reusing existing code and assets is allowed to an extent.    
  •  No re-skinning of games made outside of the jam.   
  •  A majority of the code and/or assets must be made in the jam's time frame.  
• Submissions may be removed at the sole discretion of the organizers.
• Follow the theme. 
• Pls don’t overwork yourself too much and don’t forget to eat and sleep. 

FAQ

Can I edit my game after the submission time is due? The files are going to be locked but you can change your page design and content. 

Can I submit after the submission time is due? No, so try to manage your time well.  

What game engines are allowed? All of them, there’s no limitation on that regard. 

Can I make a ttrpg or board game? Yep! all game engines are allowed ;)

Can I work in more than one game? Yep! Don’t overwork yourself tho. 

Can I use online assets? If they’re free yes, read the terms of use and if you have to credit do so. 

What about paid assets? As long as paid assets comply to the terms of use you're good. 

Can I submit my game to other jam as well? Yep, as long as the other jam is ok with it and the game fits both themes. 

Semi professionnals or professionnals are allowed? There's no limitation in that regard. 

If I don't like the theme can I make my game with one of the optional themes? No, you have to follow the main theme. The optional themes can't replace the main one. 

VOTING

At the end of the Jam, there will be a rating period of 5 days. Your game will be rated on:

Theme: How well your game uses the theme.

Enjoyment: How much you enjoyed your time with the game. 

Concept: How interesting or unique the main focus of the game was.

Story: Is it good? Well written? Good characters or/and good world building? If neither hows da plot? 

Graphics: Does it look good? 

Audio: Do you like the music? Does it fit the game? What about the sound effects? Voice acting, oh mai gad this game has voice acting?!