What is Only Jam?

Only Jam is a community-driven game jam series focused on creativity, fun, and accessibility.  

Each event features a unique theme and lasts for 72 hours, giving participants a short but exciting window to create something new.  

This is the first jam of the series, and the theme is Pirates.  

You can interpret it however you want — treasure hunting, cursed islands, sea battles, mysterious maps, ghost pirates, or any pirate-related idea you can imagine.  

If you have trouble submitting your game before the deadline, don’t panic — instructions will be provided on how to complete your submission properly.  

If you’d like to ask questions, get updates, or hang out with the community, feel free to join the jam discussion board.  

Theme

🏴‍☠️ PIRATES  

You may interpret this theme in any way you see fit.  

You do not need to stay realistic — magical pirates, space pirates, cursed pirate ghosts… all interpretations are valid.  

Use the theme as inspiration, not restriction.  

Ratings

At the end of the jam, there will be a 4-day rating period.  

Anyone who submits a game will be able to rate other submissions.  

Games will be ranked based on the following criteria:  

- Creativity — How original or interesting the game idea is  

- Gameplay — How enjoyable and polished the core experience is  

- Theme Interpretation — How well the game fits the Pirates theme  

- Presentation — How well the visuals, UI, and animations come together  

- Audio — How effective the music and sound design are  

Please remember to rate games honestly and fairly.  

Rules

- Read the rules — Not reading them is not an excuse for breaking them.  

- Follow the theme — Your game must incorporate the theme in some way, but the interpretation is up to you.  

- Game must be made for the jam — Do not submit previously made games. You may use old code or assets if needed, but the main project must be created during the jam period.  

- Keep content clean — NSFW, hateful, overly graphic, or offensive games are not allowed. If your game contains mild violence, mark it clearly.  

- Be honest about your submission — You will be asked a few questions when submitting. Answer truthfully to maintain fairness.  

- No stolen assets — Only use content you have permission to use.  

Any game that does not follow the rules may be removed without warning.  

FAQ

▶ I couldn’t submit in time, what do I do?  

Instructions will be posted if late submissions are allowed.  

▶ Do I have to follow the theme?  

Yes, but your interpretation is flexible.  

▶ What engine can I use?  

Any engine is allowed.  

▶ Can I use old code or assets?  

Yes, as long as the main game is created during the jam and you have permission for everything you use.  

▶ Can I work with a team?  

Yes, teams of up to 4 people are allowed.  

▶ Can I submit more than one game?  

No, only one game per person/team.  

▶ Are there prizes?  

No cash prizes — this event is for fun, learning, and creativity.  

Community

Want to hang out, ask questions, or find teammates?  

Check out the jam community and follow future Only Jam events.