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

Join the Discord here →

Prizes

Best Overall Games:

• 1st Place: $75 gift card Winner: Forest Fear by IPEMAofc

• 2nd Place: $50 gift card Winner: Open Tent by Sane Studios

• 3rd Place: $25 gift card Winner: CAMPERS by vishal-akodiya

Special Categories (each $25):

• Best Jewish Infusion (light cultural or thematic elements) Winner: Ping! by Kemipo

• Best Lore/Story Winner: The Last Fire by WhosUrDev

• Community Favorite (voted by community) Winner: Ping! by Kemipo!

We are supporting all common gift-cards (Steam, ROBLOX, Fortnite, Amazon, etc), or Cash Payment via PayPal.

Theme: 

✨ Theme: Open Tent ✨

This theme is all about welcome. Someone arrives. A traveler. A stranger. A seeker. A voice you did not expect. Your world opens or it closes. You decide.

Inspired by the Jewish practice of hachnasat orchim which means welcoming guests this theme invites you to explore what happens when you make space for another person. Sometimes welcome costs resources. Sometimes welcome brings gifts you could not get any other way.

You can take it in many directions

🟣 Games where visitors come to your town base ship or camp and you choose whether to host them feed them or learn from them

🟣 Worlds that only grow when you open doors or gates to outsiders

🟣 Stories where kindness to the unexpected guest unlocks secret paths endings or powers

🟣 Visuals that show open rooms lit windows wide plazas shared tables and pathways leading inward

Example game ideas

💡 A village sim where every day a new traveler arrives with a skill story or problem and your choice to welcome them affects the future layout of the village

💡 A puzzle adventure where doors appear in strange places and opening the right door brings a new mechanic into the level such as wind water light animal helper

💡 A campfire narrative where visitors arrive in a queue. Each one tells you what they need. You have limited food seats and time. You choose who to host and you unlock different dialogue branches and endings.

💡 A resource mini sim where you run a tiny rest stop. Each guest spends a little money or brings an item. Some also consume food. You try to stay generous without running out.

Your tent. Your rules. Your welcome.

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.