With almost $4000 paid out in prizes over the past five jams, it's once again time for the quarterly It's Based gamejam. The top 5 finalists will be judged live by high profile guest judges. Join today, create some culture, have fun, and showcase your skills for a chance to win some money along the way!

Got any questions to ask? Need to find a team? Best place to get help and get a crew is the discord!

Reclaim your voice

In an era where voices are often silenced and mainstream narratives dominate, the JamCast offers a sanctuary for those pushed to the margins by corporate constraints.

This is your platform to connect, create, and unleash the bold ideas that challenge the status quo. Join a community of independent thinkers and game developers who are eager to express their visions and inspire innovation through gaming.

Theme

New or old Frontiers. You make it your own, fam!

Prizes

Just like previous jams, the It's Based Summer 2025 gamejam features cash prizes. The prize pool is currently at least $500, with the final amount announced closer to the jam.

Prize money is paid out via PayPal only

Judging and Voting

Featured Guest Judges

The Quartering and Ian Crossland

Judging criteria

Each submission will be played by judges for no longer than 10 minutes, or until the game is completed if the game is shorter than 10 minutes.

Games will be judged based on three categories:

Gameplay
Is your game fun? Do the mechanics work well together? Are you offering a well crafted experience to your players?

Originality
How novel are the elements in the game? Does the game offer a new (or revived) perspective?

Theme
Since the jam revolves around a central theme, making the most out of the topic earns you points.

Only the top entries will be showcased during the JamCast Finals.

Rules

Time Frame

The jam lasts for 14 days. All game development and planning must be done within this period. We reserve the right to extend the jam by one week.

Team Size

Participants can work solo or in teams. Maximum of 4 people per team. If you're part of a team, designate one participant as your team lead. Prize money will be sent to that person.

Game Engines and Tools

All game engines and development tools are allowed.

Content Guidelines

All assets must be attributed or created. AI content is allowed but should be identified. NSFW content is not allowed.

Submission

Submit your game on the jam's itch.io page before the deadline, as stated on the Discord server. Late submissions will not be accepted. Make sure you set your submission to public.

We reserve the right to reject submissions that don't meet the definition of a "new game".

Collaboration and Communication

Use the jam's Discord or other channels to collaborate and ask questions. Make a game solo or team up — there’s a recruiting channel on Discord.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to have specific politics to participate?
A: No. We just expect people to be tolerant of right-leaning politics and not attack other participants.

Q: Do submissions need to be political?
A: No, although that’s allowed. The goal is to have fun and stick to the theme.

Q: How much experience do I need?
A: This jam is for everyone. Beginners welcome. The focus is on creativity and learning.

Q: Can I use pre-made assets?
A: Yes — just attribute them. Work must start after the jam begins.

Q: What if I don’t finish my game?
A: Submit what you have. The learning and culture-building is the point.

Q: Where do I submit?
A: On the jam’s itch.io page. Make it public before the deadline.

Q: Can I stream or post about my progress?
A: Absolutely. Post on social, and join the Discord.

Q: What happens after the jam?
A: You can continue the game, get feedback, and meet others in the community.

Q: How much time do judges spend on each game?
A: Around 10 minutes. If your game is endless or unclear, make a note of it.