• # 🎮 Sanilac Career Center Computer Tech Game Jam 2025

Welcome to the first annual SCC Computer Tech Game Jam! This is a 9-day game development challenge for students in the Computer Technology program at Sanilac Career Center.

## 📅 Important Dates

- **Theme Reveal & Jam Starts:** Monday, December 8, 2025 at 8:30 AM

- **Submission Deadline:** Friday, December 19, 2025 at 3:00 PM

- **Judging & Awards:** Friday, January 9, 2026 

## 🎯 Theme

The theme will be revealed on December 8 at the start of class. Your game must incorporate this theme in a meaningful way!

## 👥 Teams

Work in teams of 2-3 students, or individually with instructor approval. All team members must be enrolled in the SCC Computer Technology program.

## 🛠️ Tools & Engines

You may use any game engine or programming language, including:

1. Pico-8
2.  Unity
3.  Godot
4.  GameMaker
5.  Python/Pygame
6.  HTML5/JavaScript
7.  And more!

## 📋 Rules

1. All work must be created during the jam period (Dec 8-19)
2. You may use pre-made assets (art, sound, music) if properly credited
3. Games must be appropriate for a school environment
4. Games must be playable and submitted by the deadline
5. Include credits listing all team members and their roles
6. Game must run on standard web browsers or Windows computers

## 🏆 Judging Criteria

Games will be judged on:

1. Gameplay/Fun Factor This measures how enjoyable and engaging the game is to play. Does it hold your attention? Is it satisfying? Would you want to play it again? This category focuses on the core experience—whether the game mechanics work well together and create an entertaining experience for players.
2. Creativity/Originality This evaluates how unique and innovative the game is. Does it bring fresh ideas to the table, or does it put a creative twist on existing concepts? Judges look for games that surprise them, make them think differently, or approach game design in unexpected ways.
3. Theme Integration Game jams typically have a specific theme that participants must incorporate. This category assesses how well the game integrates that theme—not just superficially, but in meaningful ways that connect to the gameplay, story, or mechanics. A strong entry doesn't just reference the theme; it builds the entire experience around it. 
4. Technical Implementation This looks at how well the game is built. Does it run smoothly without major bugs or crashes? Are the controls responsive? Is the code solid? This isn't about having the fanciest technology—it's about executing your vision competently and creating a stable, playable experience. 
5. Audio/Visual Polish This category evaluates the game's presentation—graphics, sound effects, music, and overall aesthetic coherence. Even simple art styles can score well here if they're executed consistently and create the right atmosphere. It's about how well the audiovisual elements come together to support the game's identity. 
6. Scope Management This is crucial for game jams with tight time constraints. It measures whether the team chose an appropriate scope for the timeframe and executed it well. A simple game that's fully realized and polished will typically score better than an ambitious game that's incomplete or rough around the edges. It's about knowing your limits and delivering a complete experience.

Good luck and have fun! 🚀