Rules:

1) You may enter one game (or prototype) which must be original work for this jam. You may use work from before this jam so long as it is  freely accessible code. (excluding game engine.) You shouldn't work on the game before the jam starts, except for general-purpose code

2) For judging, the game must work on a normal monitor in Windows (no VR or unusual peripherals required - although you can implement them as an alternative). Web builds are fine. Remember to create additional builds (Mac, Linux) if you can, so more people can enjoy your game.

3) All non-code assets (game design, art, fonts, audio, narrative, etc.) must be made during the jam, or freely available and credited in-game.

4) Code from before the jam may be used if it's (a) from any freely available source (similar to rule #3) or (b) from your own stash of code, provided it's general purpose and not made specifically for the jam

5) You may work solo or in a team, but the maximum team size is 4.

6) You must answer all submission questions completely.

7) No NSFW content. This includes sexual content (including language), nudity, or excessive realistic gore/violence.

Theme:

The theme is retro - in addition, it has too look like something made pre 1990's. (preference for 6 or less buttons like the NES System controllers; however this is not mandatory.) any questions please don't hesitate to ask in our Discord server!

Other Questions

I'm awful at music. How can I still have cool background audio in my game?

Get royalty-free music by Kevin MacLeodor any other free to use sites that you wish (be sure to credit them where applicable)

Should I build a Windows/Mac/Linux/web/[insert system here] version? 
The more builds you have, the more people will be able to access your game. Some people also prefer web versions (because running software can be sketchy) while others prefer a download (such as me, who likes to keep the games archived and often struggles with web versions).

Can I enter the same game in multiple jams?

Absolutely, so long as they abide by the theme and rules for each jam.

How can I get more people to play my game? 

Play the other submitted games and leave quality feedback. Be sure to politely ask the dev to play your game, so they know you want feedback

.I didn't finish. Should I still submit? 
Yes! A solid prototype could still win the jam, and it's worth showcasing your work to get feedback.

Can I make a 2D/2.5D/3D [insert genre here] game? Can I use [insert engine/tool here]? 
Yes! Actually you can use whatever software you want to make the game, and use any genre so long as it is done with the restrictions of the theme.

Where can I ask more questions? 
Ask away in the community or we have a Discord Server where you can ask questions at any time, the community and judges will be able to answer in most cases.

Judging:

Games will be rated by a panel of judges with differing views but a shared interpretation of star values and voting categories. Judge entries and disqualified submissions will not be rated. Judging will be on the following criteria:

• Graphics: Visual presentation. How clean/consistent does it look? How fluid are the animations? Is there a clever use of colour, contrast, and other visual skills? Maximum 4 stars if external assets are used.
•  Audio: Auditory presentation. How well does the music/sound fit the game? External asset use can still score up to 5 stars because it's a central theme of this jam.
• Fun: Enjoyment of the game. Are the mechanics interesting? Do I want to play more?
• Innovation: How original is the game, particularly in working with the limitations of the jam?
• Technical: Complexity of implementation. Does the game push technical boundaries? Does it scream "wow, this was done under jam constraints?" Does it have special tech that makes it stand out?
• Theme: Implementation of the jam theme. How much does the game utilise the theme? How unusual is the interpretation? This differs from Audio in that it focuses specifically on the theme song.

Prizes:

There are 3 prizes to be won;

1st place: $10

2nd place: $5

3rd place $1

Additional prizes from 1st through 5th place, if they so desire, will be showcased in my YouTube video after the finalising of the jam.