Taking mechanics from games that reuse mechanics from each other all the time is legal, right?

Any of us with a smart phone has probably downloaded a mobile game or two, only to discover that a game concept that seems like it would be fun is actually full of microtransactions, and psychological tricks to get you to pay money or at least watch ads for MORE scammy mobile games.

So let's take a month, post GDC don't worry, to take some of those mechanics and turn them into something fun that folks can play without worrying about manipulated into paying hundreds of dollars.

Jam Rules:

1. All games must choose one of four options for monetization:

                     a. Completely free: No monetization either in game or on Itch Page
                     b. Pay what you want: Uses itch's pay what you want to give players a one time payment option that ranges from free to $10 for a minimum. No additional microtransactions.
                     c.  One time clearcut fee. Akin to the "pay what you want" but provides an option that works a bit better with google play or other storefronts. Just one permanent fee, no additional microtransactions
                     d. Trial version with fee for more full version. There's a variety of ways of doing this depending on the type of game. Regardless, it is required to clearly state within the game's description that this is a trial version/demo/some features can be unlocked for a reasonable fee.

2. NO GENERATIVE AI. No chatgpt, no image generation, none of that. That particular technology is created by scraping the internet aka stealing data, is sold on reducing jobs, in the case of chatgpt is refined by exploiting workers in African countries, and uses far more water and carbon than is reasonable thus contributing to climate change. For these reasons, it is not allowed and submissions using it are banned.

3. No blockchain/crypto/web3 either. Go watch Line Go Up by Folding Ideas if you don't get why. Also his video "The Future is a Dead Mall" for additional info on the "metaverse".

4. No bigotry, no pro-genocide, etc.

5. No plagiarizing. Taking game mechanics is fine and normal for this industry. Taking others artwork or writing is NOT okay.

6. Teams are okay, just please figure out how any sort of profit sharing works among y'all. 

7. Asset packs are okay as long as you have the rights to use them.

8. Game must have a mobile version, though can be both PC and mobile.

And I think that's it for rules, at least for now! Jam will take roughly a month so folks with jobs and/or disabilities can participate! There is now a discord for the jam! It's not a requirement but it can help with team finding, resources, and more!

Discord invite (unlimited uses, never expires): https://discord.gg/54w67jDjuz

Bonus info and resources: (under construction)

Link to the official unofficial android app for itch: Mitch!

Link to the no longer required F-Droid app to install Mitch!