This jam is now over. It ran from 2023-02-20 10:00:00 to 2023-03-20 10:00:00. View 4 entries

What will life look like in a few million years? What would alien life look like on other planets? What would animals, plants or fungi look like if a mass extinction had occurred at a different time or in a different way? What would happen if you let one creature rule every other planet for years to come? Have you always wanted to present your idea in the form of a game or story?

Here I want to challenge them to create one and share it with the wider world!

In the length of one month or so, I want you to build one of these from scratch, everything that comes to your mind that tells how a world where there are different lives than we know lives, breathes or behaves in any form of genre you want!


What is speculative evolution?

This is a genre from speculative fiction, sometimes known as speculative biology, described as an artistic style, which describes how fictional living creatures would appear in the future, in an alternative history, on other planets or in any situation where a living creature can exist.

There are several great games that have this genre, such as Spore, Subnautica, No Man's Sky , Thrive and more!

If you want to know more, that it has a very large community, and with extensive projects that are created, maintained and added every day, you can look here for more information and maybe give direction on where to go with the project.

Alternatively, you can look at the great community here and other places!

Theme:

Because this is the first time, I think it is right that there was no theme and to riot over their idea. And maybe, who knows, next time there will be one, but it can also change accordingly.


Rules:

  1. The uploads had to include something related to Speculative evolution. how? It's your decision.
  2. There is no limit to the number of people who could work on your project.
  3. You can use any type of game engine and any levels (whether you are a beginner or advanced).
  4. You can use an asset or art that you have a license for, or alternatively, create one as long as it is created during the jam.
  5. If the product is NSFW (not safe for work), put a warning in the description or when the project is loaded.
  6. You and your group will need to start from scratch. If you are basing yourself on something, I would appreciate it if you put a link to the source (to avoid unpleasantness on the other side) (Ideas and planning possible before its starts)
  7. And most importantly - enjoy! You'll make sure it doesn't turn out perfect or as expected, if you had fun along the way, that's more than enough!

FAQ:

How do I participate?

First of all, you need to register here. It's free and doesn't require too much. Start reading here for more information and the site will guide them through the process. Simple and easy!

I don't know how to program, will it hurt participation?

No, all levels can contribute! If you want to create something and you don't know how, you can always join someone who lacks the skills you have and work together. If you are looking, you will always be asked to attach a message in our community!

Altenatively, You have lots of options for how to make a game. Even if you're a total beginner, game engines are tools that will help you design more easily what you aim to do. Here are some examples:

  • Unity - Good all-purpose all-around game development engine. Has a vast array of features for both 2D and 3D games, as well as a large community with plenty of resources and tutorials. Also exports to all sorts of platforms and systems.
  • Unreal Engine - Very powerful and graphically capable engine that offers a visual schematic-based programming method in addition to C++. Often used to make 3D and/or networked games that are good-looking.
  • GameMaker - Popular with beginners or for simple 2D or pixel games. Offers a simpler programming language that's easy to grasp, and an even simpler drag-and-drop logic if you want to avoid writing code whatsoever.
  • Godot - A free and open source engine for 2D and 3D games. Includes a visual scripting system for beginner programmers, as well as a custom scripting language and C# Mono support for those who want to dive in.
  • RPG Maker - Simple to use and programming-lite engine to make RPG's or RPG-like games. Many different versions of it are available. Great if you want a game with movement and dialogue but don't want to get all technical with code and stuff. Popular choice for story-heavy games.
  • Ren'Py - Popular engine for creating visual novels. Uses easy-to-learn scripting so you can create interactive stories. Similar to RPG maker in ease-of-use, except this one creates visual novels. Another popular choice for story-heavy and art-heavy games.
  • Twine - A free tool for creating interactive, nonlinear stories, which are perfectly suitable for a jam like this! Great if you want to focus strongly on writing or player choices without having to worry about assets.
  • And more! there are alot in the internet! find what your style and what sut you!

Should we be realistic in our project?

It is hard to say how far this definition can be stretched. I don't remember meeting a creature that can create fire from its mouth like a dragon, but there are creatures that emit boiling substances. So stretch it as far as possible, you can say that maybe it's impossible, but I don't know here, it's up to you. I can say that you can riot, as long as you can justify it: why it is so or how the environment is adapted to it.

Was there a rank vote?

I thought it was right not to such a sim, you can't judge one's project if it's not to another's taste. Everyone thinks differently and I feel that everyone can do this. This jam game is for fun and imagination!

Will I be able to expand after uploading the project here?

Yes! More than that, if you feel you like what you've created, expand it! You created them and maybe it can lead to a wonderful place. I'm waiting to see where it goes.

Who knows where it will evolve from here (pun intended). Have a successful evolution!


Do we have Discord?

Yes, we now have Discord of the Jam!

This is still under construction because I don't have much experience, but you are welcome to enter!:

Discord link

This is also a good place to try to find someone who can fill the void for you. And maybe also a good place to ask questions or find information more easily.

Immediately knows where it will develop.

Submissions(4)

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Windows (4)

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Defeat enemies, acquire their power, save FlimFlam!
Adventure
This game is about evolution of donosaurs and battles for territory
Strategy
There are aliens in your own backyard.
Educational
3d platformer/puzzle
Platformer