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FAQ Sticky

A topic by phillip created Dec 21, 2024 Views: 802 Replies: 19
Viewing posts 1 to 10
HostSubmitted

If you have any questions about the rules of the jam that are not answered below feel free to ask them in this thread and I will get back to you as soon as I can!

When can I start working on my game?

Your game, including all assets outside of the resource page, should be made within the jam’s duration.

Does my game have to run on a real Nokia 3310?

Nope! We're just using the restrictions as a design space.

Can I make my own engine?

Yes! Many participants have done this. Feel free to make the framework before the jam begins. Just make sure it doesn’t put you ahead of other people using pre-made engines.

How do I make my game as accurate as possible to the Nokia 3310?

None of the following is necessary to submit a game and it won’t improve your score. This is for those who want to go the extra mile. Game fps should be 15. Ensure you are not using more "modern technology" like physics engines, 3d graphics, etc. The simpler the better. You could simulate the LCD's ghosting. The Nokia 3310’s screen also did not use perfectly square pixels. Each pixel was likely a 3:4 / 7:9 ratio.

  The Nokia 3310 was incapable of sub-pixel movement and sub-pixel scrolling so it is NOT allowed. This means all pixels must be perfectly aligned with the pixel grid. There should be no half-pixels even while moving. The ultimate challenge would be to get your game running on a real Nokia 3310!

Only 12 controls are allowed but the Nokia 3310 has 16 buttons.

The jam excludes the 4 menu buttons as they were usually used to navigate menu's and not play the actual game.

Can I mix and match the three color palettes? 

No. You should be selecting one option and making your whole game with your selection. Palette swapping is allowed if it is an option/setting and not part of gameplay.

Submitted (1 edit)

Is it mandatory to use the sounds linked in Nokia Jam Resources? Can we edit them, e.g. speed up, slow down, cut or loop? Can we make our own 1-bit bleeps? (I would like to have more noise-like sounds)

HostSubmitted

Generally we strongly recommend only using the sounds in Nokia Jam Resources as that clears confusion around what is allowed and not. As long as your sounds are close to what the original 3310 could produce it won't be removed or disqualified. You can use this video to get an a general idea of what it should sound like. 

(1 edit)

Four questions if I may.
These are in relation to simulating real-world usage of the phone itself. Menus and all.
1) Can the 4 menu buttons be used in the case that that they are used for emulated Nokia menu navigation and not for gameplay systems?

2) May the "whitespace" that the 3310 had bordering the LCD screen be included in the game, assuming that it is not utilized as part of the display area?

3) Are sounds emulating the dull click of pressing the phones buttons allowed?

4) Is accuracy to the phone's operating system necessary in cases where the Nokia's menus and such are represented?

To give context to these question, I'm brainstorming a concept that tells a story using the phone and it's functions (such as text messaging) as a narrative tool. 
Below is a mock-up made to visualize the idea I have. 

 

*Edit: For anyone concerned that the above is an early start on making a game. The whole animation above was done as a concept in Aseprite. Sixty-three frames of tedious wrist pain. Timeline shown below

HostSubmitted

1) Can the 4 menu buttons be used in the case that that they are used for emulated Nokia menu navigation and not for gameplay systems?

Yes.

2) May the "whitespace" that the 3310 had bordering the LCD screen be included in the game, assuming that it is not utilized as part of the display area?

Yes, even if you want to include a whole graphic of the phone around the display area that is totally fine. Also if you want to use the mouse to physically click the buttons on the screen that would be okay as well.

3) Are sounds emulating the dull click of pressing the phones buttons allowed?

Anything you want to do, as long as you're trying to emulate the phone is fine.

4) Is accuracy to the phone's operating system necessary in cases where the Nokia's menus and such are represented?

No, but if you want to try to emulate the original phone I would say get as close as you can

Overall I love your idea and I am excited to see it!

Submitted

About publishing the game… Is it a rule to publish the project to run directly through the browser? Is there a problem if I only make the executable available for download?

HostSubmitted

No problem if its an executable but you will always get more players and feedback if it can be run through the browser

Submitted (1 edit)

I see… Thanks for replying! :)

What is the rule about teams? Is it a solo thing or are teams allowed?

HostSubmitted

From the jam page: "Work solo or make a team to create a game using the restrictions of the original Nokia 3310 phone from the 2000s!"

Submitted

I have failed to make the game 84x48 in unity 2d

HostSubmitted

There are a some unity devs in our discord that you could ask for help if you need it! https://discord.gg/A6nxGXydZB

Submitted

I've happened same you.

Submitted (1 edit)

I know that 3D stuff is inaccurate to the Nokia 3310, but what if I were to make it 3D anyway? Could I submit it?

Also, can I submit more than one game?

HostSubmitted

Sorry for being a bit late to your question! Yes you can do 3D and yes you can submit as many games as you'd like!

Submitted

How to rate a game that violates the rules, e. g. uses sub-pixel movements or runs in a wrong resolution? Should we lower the rating, rate it as hard zero or not rate it at all?

HostSubmitted (1 edit)

Use the report feature on itch.io and we will take a look

Submitted

Hi, I just uploaded a new version with some minor improvements and a few extras. I thought since it’s not locked, it would be okay. Is that a problem? If so, I’ll deactivate the new version again.

HostSubmitted

Hey Relei, I answered in the Discord as well but I will leave this here too. I don't know why submissions weren't locked, I guess I forgot to tick the box but they are supposed to be locked for the duration of the judging period. It would be best if you deactivated the new version. Thanks for your transparency!

Submitted

Thanks, the old version is active again.