When?

Jam Starts: October 4, 2019 at 6:00pm Pacific

Jam Submissions Allowed From: October 4, 2019 at 6:00pm Pacific to October 20, 2019 at 11:59pm Pacific

Theme?

I think we can all agree that we are living in a dark time. It can be exhausting searching for light and good around us, and even more exhausting trying to be the change that we want to see in the world.

Because of this, our theme is meant to be a bit relaxing and rejuvenating by letting us go with the flow. Let us embrace the darkness that surrounds us, as the theme is...

BE RELATIVELY EVIL

You may interpret that theme however you wish.

Where?

The jam will be hosted here on Itch.io. Though it is highly recommended you also share on Twitter using the hashtag #ShacknewsJam, join in on the community chat in the jam forums here (See "Community" link near top of page), and share in the Chatty.

What?

The goal of the jam is to highlight the creativity of budding and experienced game developers who frequent the Shacknews Chatty, as well as grow the Shacknews community.  Games will be rated on Fun, Visuals, Audio, and Use of Theme.

Are there prizes?

YES!  There is a total of US$700 in the prize pool.

For each category, the top three places will be paid US$50, US$30, and US$20 respectively.

The rankings for each category will be averaged and the top three games overall will be paid US$100, US$60, and US$40 respectively.

Finally, there is a Shacknews Editors choice category which will pay $100 to their editor's choice game.

Payment will be made within two weeks of the completion of the competition via PayPal.

FAQ:

• Do I have to be a Shacknews community member to participate? No, anyone is welcome to participate, although we are hoping that you'll like the community and join it afterwards, or at least go check out the award-winning articles on the site.
• Can I work with a team? Yes.
• Do I have to start from scratch? No.  You may use any code and assets that you create in advance.
• Can I submit more than one game? Yes.
• Can I create a mod for an existing game? No.
• Can I make a not-safe-for-work game? Yes, but please put the [NSFW] tag in the title and don't have anything explicit in the thumbnail artwork.
• What language, engine, or tools can I use? Anything that you have legal licenses for.
• Are there restrictions on sound or music? You must have licenses for it or have created it yourself.
• By submitting my game, do I give up any rights to my work? No.  Your game is your game.  However, you may not charge for your game jam game during the submission or voting window.  Once voting is closed, if you want to sell your game, feel free.  If your game is for sale during the voting window, your game will be immediately removed from the competition.
• What existing assets can I use? While it's encouraged to create original assets for your game, you're welcome to use any assets you have the legal right to use.  Please credit any sources that you use.