Welcome to Nexus Commons Game Jam!
This game jam accepts all types of games, including:
- PC/Mac/Linux builds (downloadable)
- HTML5 games (playable in browser)
- Roblox experiences (must provide a playable link and instructions)
- Fortnite Creative / UEFN maps (must provide the island code and instructions)
Everyone is welcome — solo developers and teams!
Join the Discord
Join our Discord to:
- Find teammates
- Ask questions about submission rules
- Get feedback on your game
- Stay updated on announcements
Prizes
Best Overall Games:
- 1st Place: $75 gift card
- 2nd Place: $50 gift card
- 3rd Place: $25 gift card
Special Categories (each $25):
- Best Jewish Infusion (light cultural or thematic elements)
- Best Lore/Story
- Community Favorite (voted by community)
Theme: Build and Rebuild
This theme is rooted in the idea that creation never truly ends. To build and rebuild is to take what has been broken, changed, or lost and give it new life. It’s about renewal, resilience, and the hope that even in repair, there is creativity.
Inspired by the Jewish value of tikkun olam — repairing the world — this theme invites you to explore how acts of restoration, rebuilding, and growth can transform both people and places. Every rebuild can be an act of meaning, of bringing light back to what once faded.
You can take it in any direction that speaks to you:
🔹 Games about restoring something damaged or forgotten
🔹 Worlds rebuilding after collapse or transformation
🔹 Stories that explore healing, community, or renewal
🔹 Visuals that blend ruin with rebirth, showing life returning to what was lost
Example Game Ideas:
💡 A strategy game about rebuilding a scattered community and rediscovering shared purpose
💡 A puzzle game that mends broken worlds, revealing connections as you piece them back together
💡 A narrative about starting over, where rebuilding something small leads to unexpected hope
Every act of rebuilding is a creative act. This jam is your chance to explore what it means to begin again.
Judging Criteria (40 points total)
🎯 Theme Incorporation (10 pts)
- How well does the game embrace and reflect the jam’s theme?
- Is the theme central to the design, story, or gameplay?
- Is the interpretation creative or unique?
🌟 Uniqueness & Creativity (10 pts)
- How original is the concept or execution?
- Does it offer something different from common game ideas?
- Are the visuals, mechanics, or narrative refreshing?
🎮 Gameplay & Mechanics (10 pts)
- How solid and enjoyable is the gameplay experience?
- Are the controls responsive and intuitive?
- Is the game loop satisfying?
- Are there minimal bugs or issues?
📖 Story / Worldbuilding (10 pts)
- How immersive or meaningful is the game’s narrative or setting?
- Is there a clear or engaging story (even minimal)?
- Does the atmosphere, tone, or lore add to the experience?
Jam Rules
1. Development Guidelines
- Start your game after the theme drops.
- You may reuse assets, code, or tools, but your core game must be created during the jam period.
- Teams of up to 4 people are allowed (solo devs welcome).
- No AI-generated art, music, writing, or other media.
- No NSFW, hateful, plagiarized, or illegal content.
- Follow good sportsmanship practices — be respectful and fair.
- All engines and formats are welcome, including Roblox, Fortnite Creative/UEFN, PC, Mac, HTML5, and others.
2. Submission Formats
You can submit games in any format, including:
- PC/Mac/Linux builds (upload your executable)
- HTML5 games (playable in browser)
- Roblox experiences (must include a playable link and instructions to join)
- Fortnite Creative / UEFN maps (must include the island code and any special joining instructions)
If your game is not downloadable or browser-based, you must provide a working link or code and any necessary instructions so judges can access and play it.
How to Submit (Roblox & Fortnite)
- Roblox: Publish your experience, make sure it’s public, then include the experience link in your submission along with any joining instructions (e.g., controls, group requirements).
- Fortnite Creative / UEFN: Publish your island, make sure it’s public, and include the island code in your submission along with any extra instructions (party size, controls).
- For other formats, upload your build or provide a browser-playable version as normal.