# ⚡ Overpowered Studios Game Jam #1

**Hosted by Vishwam Phalke & Overpowered Studios**

**Official Multiplayer Partner: Edgegap**

Welcome to the inaugural **Overpowered Studios Game Jam #1**! This is a high-intensity, 48-hour global sprint challenging game developers, engineers, 3D/2D artists, and audio designers to create an original online multiplayer game built around a surprise theme.

# 🎯 Official Theme: "No Limits / Anything Goes"

1. Total Creative Freedom: Build literally any game you want—shooter, racer, sports, tag, arena brawler, or party game. Any 2D/3D engine, Python, or Node.js is welcome.

2. Compulsory Multiplayer: Every entry MUST have a functional online multiplayer loop. Single-player games will not qualify.

3. Compulsory Edgegap Hosting: All game servers must be deployed and hosted on Edgegap to be eligible for judging and cash prizes.

4. 100% Free Setup: Edgegap's developer tier is completely free with zero credit card required (https://docs.edgegap.com).

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## 📅 Schedule & Key Dates

* **Theme Reveal & Jam Kickoff:** Friday, October 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM IST

* **Submission Deadline:** Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM IST

* **Judging & Public Playtesting Period:** October 11 – October 15, 2026

* **Winners Announced:** October 16, 2026

*All core game mechanics, networking loops, and jam assets must be built within the official 48-hour sprint.*

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## 🏆 Official Prize Pool: Powered by Edgegap

* 🥇 **1st Place (Edgegap Multiplayer Champion):** **$400 USD Cash** (paid via PayPal / Wire Transfer) + Partner Software Licenses & Developer Keys

* 🥈 **2nd Place (Overall Runner-Up):** Developer Software Subscriptions & Indie Steam Game Keys

* 🥉 **3rd Place:** Meshy AI Pro (1-Month Subscription) + Curated 3D Asset Bundles

* 🎨 **Best Art & Visual Design:** Digital Asset Packs & Creator Tools

* 🕹️ **Best Core Gameplay Loop:** Official Overpowered Studios Feature & Spotlight

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## 🌐 Compulsory Multiplayer & Edgegap Requirement

**Multiplayer is strictly mandatory for this jam.**

1. **Online Multiplayer Loop:** Every game submitted must include a functional networked multiplayer component (co-op, PvP, party arena, lobby system, or shared session). Standalone single-player games will not qualify for judging.

2. **Edgegap Orchestration:** To be eligible for the 1st Place Cash Prize, your game server or backend session must be deployed and hosted using **Edgegap's server orchestration platform**.

3. **Playable Deliverables:** Submissions must provide a playable Windows build (.exe / .zip) or Web (HTML5) build, alongside a functional server connection or lobby IP.

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## 💡 Is Edgegap Free? (100% Free for All Jammers)

You do **not** need to pay anything or enter payment details to use Edgegap during this event:

* **Free Developer Account:** Edgegap provides a completely free developer tier with complimentary compute hours and container registry storage—more than enough to build, iterate, and host your jam build.

* **Automatic Instance Shutdown:** Edgegap automatically stops and unloads server containers when player lobbies empty out, meaning zero risk of unexpected usage or accidental background run-time.

* **Engine SDKs & Ready-to-Use Templates:** Full plug-and-play documentation is available for Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot, and custom Docker container wrappers (Node.js, Python, C++, Go).

* **Get Started Free:** [https://edgegap.com](https://edgegap.com)

* **Official Documentation:** [https://docs.edgegap.com](https://docs.edgegap.com)

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## 📋 Jam Rules

* **Engines:** Any game engine or framework is allowed (Godot, Unreal Engine, Unity, Pygame, Raylib, Bevy, custom engines, etc.).

* **Team Size:** Solo developers or teams up to 5 members.

* **Theme:** The theme will be announced exactly at 6:00 PM IST on October 9. The game’s core mechanic or narrative must tie into it.

* **Assets:** Third-party audio, models, textures, and open-source packages are permitted with proper credit/attribution in your submission text.

* **AI Assistance:** Generative AI tools (code assistance, concept prototyping, placeholder audio) are permitted but must be disclosed transparently in your submission notes.

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## ⚖️ Judging Criteria (100% Total)

Submissions will be rated by the host and community across five balanced categories:

1. **Multiplayer Execution & Stability (25%):** Smooth networking loops, stable matchmaking/joining, and proper Edgegap deployment.

2. **Gameplay & Fun Factor (25%):** Engaging player loop, satisfying mechanics, and clear win/loss states.

3. **Theme Interpretation (20%):** Creative and original implementation of the surprise theme.

4. **Art Direction & Audio (15%):** Visual cohesion, UI readability, sound effects, and soundtrack.

5. **Innovation & Originality (15%):** Unique twists on classic multiplayer tropes.

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## 💬 Community & Support

Join our community to find teammates, access Edgegap deployment tutorials, and get live troubleshooting assistance throughout the weekend:

* **Official Discord Server:**https://discord.gg/zVpkqyXSa

* **Indieconnect Event Page:** [https://www.indieconnect.in/game-jams/overpowered-studios-game-jam-1-muprgzr0](https://www.indieconnect.in/game-jams/overpowered-studios-game-jam-1-muprgzr0)