Update:

This year's modifier, as chosen by you, is Impossible. You can choose to interpret this modifier however you want. Good luck everyone!

'So bad it's good' Jam 2020 - Worse than ever!

It's back, like it or not!

Your aim, as always, is to make a game that is 'So bad it's good'. The type of game which is by no means 'good', 'well-made' or 'polished', but has a unique charm to it. Make a game that isn't, perfect, isn't extravagant, but is jank to the point where it becomes enjoyable. 

Unsure what to do? View our 2019 Jam, 2018 Jam and our 2017 Jam.

The Criteria:

There are a few (loose) rules that may help you to get started

• Rule 1: "It has to be fun to play" 

- This is arguably the hardest category to get right. There is a sweet spot with these types of games. Games that are unplayable, or mediocre to the point of boredom, are not fun. In order to make a true SBIG game, there has to be a level of enjoyment. With that said, it is up to you exactly how you choose to achieve this.

• Rule 2: "It can be original or based off an existing IP"

- You can be as original or shamelessly unoriginal as you want. Just don't use any trademarked or copyrighted material. If you want to do an existing IP, at least think of a funny name for it. See Two Mythical Lizards or Spinster Walkboy  for inspiration. 

• Rule 3: "Use whatever engine, whatever genre, however many people"

- Just go nuts. If you want to make your game in Unity, Gamemaker, Unreal, Construct, do it. Hell, if you want to make a game for your TI-84 calculator, there's nothing stopping you.  Use what you feel most comfortable with, or try something new, and see how it turns out. The only way you could fail is by not releasing a game at all.

• Rule 4: "Games must be made during the jam period".

- This has always been the case in previous years, but I've added it on as an official rule. You can't submit a game that you've worked on/released before the start of the jam. This way, it's a level playing field for everyone!

Modifier:

For this year's jam, as with last year's, there will be a modifier. The modifier is a special theme or item that could be added for extra points. For example, our previous modifiers have been "retro" and "cyberpunk". Currently, the modifier is unannounced, but it will be unveiled 2 days before the jam starts. You can use the modifier, choose to ignore it, or choose to interpret (or misinterpret) the modifier how you want. You do you.

You can vote for the modifier on the Discord server, and in the end, it is chosen out of the suggestions you make.

Voting/Prizes:

Also, the voting system will be slightly different. Games will be judged on individual categories: 

• Graphics
• Sound
• Gameplay
• Overall Bad
• Overall Good
• Modifier

Remember, the individual categories will be judged on whether they are so bad it's good. The voting isn't a measure of quality, but a measure of how well they fit the brief of the jam.

The top winners will have their games included in a "Best of the Worst" compilation, and the overall winner can choose whether the bundle is free or paid, and if so, what charity the proceeds will be sent to. 2017's compilation can be found here, and 2018's compilation can be found here.

Find a team:

While we used to use Crowdforge to form teams, it seems it is now defunct. We now have dedicated Discord channel for finding teams together. You can join the Discord here:

Links:

As mentioned before, we have a Discord server, where you can see the latest updates, and vote on the modifier: https://discord.gg/rn7amBk 

And that is all, Good luck everyone!