Level Up! your Gaming Skills with our 2nd Annual Beginner-Friendly Game Jam!
Eligibility:
- The game jam is open to participants of all skill levels, with a focus on beginners.
- Individuals and teams (up to 7 people) are welcome to participate. In the spirit of collaboration and networking, we highly recommend working with others.
Submission Guidelines:
- Game submissions may take any form (tabletop, digital, etc.) but must be easily accessible to the judges. We will not be able to provide feedback and suggestions if we cannot access the game.
Original Content:
- Games must be original creations developed during the game jam.
- Use of pre-existing assets is allowed, but participants should give credit for any external resources.
Scope:
- Participants should be mindful of the scope of their projects to ensure completion within the given timeframe. NO CRUNCHING!
- We highly encourage teams to focus on small, polished games over large, unfinished projects.
Theme Announcement:
The theme for this game jam has not been announced yet! We know you're excited to start brainstorming ideas, but the theme will be revealed once the jam begins. This surprise element adds an extra layer of creativity and challenge, pushing everyone to think outside the box. Stay tuned, and be ready to unleash your imagination when the clock starts ticking!
Optional Color Palette:
In addition to the jam theme, there is also an optional color palette. Participants may use this color palette as a base, or disregard it completely. The optional color palette will be announced at the same time as the theme!
We've curated a dream team of industry volunteers, each with a wealth of experience in various facets of game design. From narrative wizards to coding maestros, our mentors are here to answer your questions, provide valuable insights, and guide your team to success. Throughout the design process, you'll have the chance to pose questions, seek advice, and receive constructive feedback directly from these industry veterans. Your journey to game design excellence just got a whole lot more interactive and empowering!
Whether you're crafting a captivating indie narrative or developing the next big multiplayer sensation, our mentors have the expertise to elevate your game, regardless of the genre. From action-adventure to strategy, they've got you covered! At the end of the jam, the mentors will be reviewing all games and providing constructive feedback on all games submitted.
We will be unveiling the names and profiles of our esteemed mentors in the coming weeks.
Get ready for an enlightening experience as our talented mentors take the stage to deliver bite-sized presentations on various game design topics. From storytelling to mechanics, coding to aesthetics, these mentor-led presentations are designed to broaden your understanding of the diverse world of game development. Whether you're a novice or seasoned developer, these sessions are crafted to provide valuable nuggets of wisdom that can elevate your game design skills.
Per jammer request, there will be official rankings for this jam. We highly recommend teams play each others games and provide feedback on the following criteria:
Gameplay:
- How engaging and enjoyable is the gameplay?
- Are the controls intuitive, and does the game provide a satisfying user experience?
Creativity and Innovation:
- How unique and creative is the game concept?
- Does the game bring a fresh perspective to the given theme?
Theme Adherence:
- How well does the game align with the given theme of the game jam?
- Is the interpretation of the theme creative and well-executed?
Playability and User Experience:
- How smoothly does the game run?
- Is the user interface intuitive, and does it enhance the overall experience?
Art and Design:
- How visually appealing is the game?
- Does the art style complement the overall theme and gameplay?
Overall Fun Factor:
- How much fun is the game to play?
- Does it have that "fun factor" that makes players want to keep playing?
Q: Can I participate if I'm a complete beginner in game development?
A: Absolutely! The game jam is designed to be beginner-friendly, and participants of all skill levels are welcome.
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Q: Can I work in a team or do I have to participate individually?
A: You can choose to work individually or in a team, though collaboration is highly encouraged! If you need help finding a team, you may search for your own by posting in the #looking-for-a-team channel on the Bitter Sails official Discord server.
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Q: What is the theme of the game jam?
A: The theme will be announced at the beginning of the game jam. Be ready to base your game on this theme.
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Q: Can I use pre-existing assets in my game?
A: Yes, you can use pre-existing assets, but be sure to give credit for any external resources.
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Q: Are there specific technical requirements for the games?
A: The game can be developed using any beginner-friendly game development tools and engines. Please make sure whatever format you choose to pursue is easily accessible by the mentors.
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Q: How long do I have to complete and submit my game?
A: The jam will start on October 1st to the 14th. Make sure to submit your game by the deadline. Feedback will run from October 14th to January 21st.
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Q: What are the judging criteria for the games?
A: The games will be judged based on criteria such as gameplay, creativity, learning potential, inclusivity, theme adherence, and more. Details will be provided.
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Q: Can I playtest my game during the development process?
A: Yes! We highly encourage you to playtest your game and iterate based on feedback from others.
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Q: How can I engage with the community during the game jam?
A: We highly suggest you join the official Bitter Sails Discord server for updates, sharing progress, and asking questions. Engage with fellow participants and provide support!
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Q: What if I encounter difficulties or need help during the game jam?
A: Reach out to the community or our dedicated mentors for assistance! We're here to support each other, and mentors may be available to help with specific challenges.
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Q: Are there any specific rules about game content?
A: While creativity is encouraged, games should be respectful and inclusive. Avoid content that may be offensive or harmful.
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Q: Are there prizes for participating in the game jam?
A: The purpose of the jam is to make connections and learn new skills. Because of this, there will be no official rewards.
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Q: Can I continue working on my game after the game jam ends?
A: Absolutely! The game jam is just the beginning. Feel free to continue refining and expanding your game after the event.
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