Ostara: Games for Spring 2022

Ratings

This jam is now over. It ran from 2022-04-22 05:00:00 to 2022-05-01 04:59:59. View results

We've done some growing and are planting our seeds a little different this season. For 2022 the theme is live and open for all at the top of the month. Everyone is free to think upon and start working at their own pace. Submissions open on the 22nd of April and close on the 30th. While most of this jam is entirely remote work, we're going to book one single day of entirely on-brand in-person working and sharing to celebrate the season. RHO Interactive and the Omaha Game Developer's Association are back with a renewed focus on artistic expression, growth, and joy as we rise from the ashes of winter.

On Saturday April 23rd, we'll be having a picnic meet-up at the pavilion in Hanscom Park. Fresh, outdoor air with electricity and a wee bit of food for all will be had. You can choose to spend the time making a brand-new game inspired by the outdoor setting, showing off your current work, or getting a team together for the last push of the jam. We're so happy to see your faces in person, and with an indoor-outdoor meeting space we won't risk getting canceled (again!) last minute.

COMMUNITY

Join the conversation early or find a team by joining the Discord server!

Follow the hashtag #ostaragamejam on twitter and instagram for fresh tidbits as they pop up.

THEME

"Verdi et Veri"

Ostara 2022 Theme

Theme image "Verdi et Veri" with rabbit and laurel

RULES

Any and all kinds of games are allowed, so long as the capacity for others to play can be distributed online through itch.io.
The original idea for the game and bulk of production must be generated during the jam itself.
Asset packs are cool if you've got the license/clearance to use it normally.
Solo and full dev team development is a-okay.
Content and interactions are subject to the inclusivity policy of our umbrella organization Insert Game {Here}

We're a RANKED JAM this year with open public voting! After submissions close on the 30th, voting is open until May 14th. This is strictly for silly bragging rights and all the voting criteria are fundamentally absurd. Share your game everywhere, get some votes, and flex your dev skills, ya nerds.

HANSCOM PARK PICNIC DAY

SATURDAY, APRIL 23RD - 1:00 PM TO 4:00 PM

REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

RHO Interactive has rented out the main pavilion at Hanscom Park in Omaha for a 3 hour get together. This will be the ONLY live synchronous event for the jam outside of the discord server. Snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring sealed or pre-packaged chow to share. Power is available, but there's no guarantee of wi-fi or internet access. Outdoor and indoor seating is available for all. Proof of vaccination is required for entry, and masks will be enforced for all indoor areas of the pavilion during the event.

2022 Growth Modifiers (100% Optional Challenges)

This year's Growth Modifier challenges come to us courtesy of the walking mind-garden known as Roosevelt T Boyland III. Check out his games over at: https://trey1232.itch.io/ and send some love towards all the creative flowers he's grown as part of the OGDA and BIT Omaha development community. <3

April Showers: It rains randomly and without warning
Baby Boom: Your game includes exploding baby animals
Too easy: Your game can be played with one hand
You’re on Mute: Your game is in the format of a Zoom call or some other virtual meeting software
Bun, Bun, Bunny: Your game includes some bread, an awesome hairstyle, and a rabbit
Art Imitates Life: Your game includes a reference to any real life event
Art Really Imitates Life: Your game includes a reference to any real life event that occurs during April 2022
Stuck Inside: Your game takes place in a single room
The Fool: Your game plays a prank on the player
The B plot: a much more interesting event is happening in the background of your game
Two’s Company: 2 Players Control a single character

Submission Judging Criteria

For the ranked voting segment at the end of the jam, the following areas will be using the very special and scientific method of 1 to 5 stars. Overall and individual areas will be assessed by public vote.