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: Bridge Fixer
• 2nd Place: $50 gift card
  • Winner: Shattered Escape
• 3rd Place: $25 gift card
  • Winner: Blade and Broth

Special Categories (each $25):

• Best Jewish Infusion (light cultural or thematic elements)
  • Winner: Bridge Fixer
    
• Best Lore/Story
  • Winner: Bridge Fixer
    
• Community Favorite (voted by community)
  • Winner: Bridge Fixer

---

Theme

Something Broken, Something New 
This theme is all about transformation. Taking something shattered, flawed, or incomplete and turning it into something fresh, surprising, or powerful. You can interpret it however you'd like, but here are some directions to spark ideas:

-Mechanics that break down and evolve into new ones
-A world, object, or character that’s broken but grows into something new
-Visuals that glitch, crumble, or reassemble in unexpected ways 

Example Game Ideas: - A platformer where levels break apart as you play, forcing you to adapt - A game where one control “breaks” each level and you gain a new one in its place - Fixing or rebuilding a broken object, system, or world - Piecing together fragments to uncover or rebuild a story The possibilities are endless. Let your creativity run wild!

---

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.