Kickoff: 

Nov 1, 2020.

Jam Goals

Welcome to the TeenyTiny DragonRuby MiniGameJam where the goal is to make minigames that are small, simple and short.

This is a casual and beginner-friendly jam, and we want you to make a short and sweet game without any stress. All you need is an idea and the desire to build it into a tiny game. This is a non-competitive jam. No prizes will be awarded and there will be no judges or ratings. You may submit as many games as you like.

All games must be made using DragonRuby Game Toolkit. Free Game Jam licenses have been generously provided. You can claim your license here http://teenytiny.dragonruby.org.

Theme

Make a minigame!

We want you to make a short minigame that can be finished in 20 seconds or less. Whether that means completing an objective within a time limit, a race to score as many points as possible before the clock runs down, or a fixed-length scripted level, short is the keyword of this jam.

Think about what makes a minigame work. Most minigames that we could think of implement some of the following ideas. Try to implement at least one of these:

• Limited Time: Keep the play session short. If you can't manage a 20 second time limit, try to stick with a bite-sized objective.
• Limited Controls: Use only one or two buttons. Make the player’s interaction options clear and simple.
• Limited Mechanics: Focus on a single core game mechanic and build the entire experience around it.

Timeline

The official Jam runs throughout November with two weeks of post-jam activity. This is how we break it down:

• Pre-Jam (Nov 1 to 14): Think up ideas, get your tools together, learn what you need. You can also start development and submit games if you want.
• Jam (Nov 15 to 28): Make your games and submit them within this two week period.
• Post-Jam (Nov 29 to Dec 12): Play everyone else’s games and give feedback. You can tweak or improve your game or just keep developing it if you want to. 

We plan to create a TeenyTiny game launcher during the Post-Jam. If you want to be included in the TeenyTiny game launcher, we can help you to adapt your game(s) to work with the launcher.

Join in

Sign up for TeenyTiny DragonRuby MiniGameJam above.

Download DragonRuby Game Toolkit here: https://dragonruby.itch.io/dragonruby-gtk.

Get your free DragonRuby Game Jam license here: http://teenytiny.dragonruby.org.

For help with DragonRuby, to talk about your game(s) or just hang out, visit the DragonRuby Discord http://discord.dragonruby.org.

F.A.Q.

Q: What if my game is longer than 20 seconds? 
A: Your game is welcome even if it’s not under 20 seconds. This is a casual jam, so there are no torches or pitchforks here.

Q: Why "20 Seconds"?
A: We chose the theme "20 Seconds" because the first twenty seconds of any game are the most important. That is the average amount of time you have to capture the player and pull them into the game.

Q: Does my game need to fit in a certain number of pixels or be under a set size in Kilobytes?
A: No, that's not what we mean when we say small.

Q: Can I work with a team?
A: Yes!

Q: I don't like coding but I'm good with graphics, sound, writing or some other valuable skill. Can I join?
A: Absolutely. Come to the Discord and ask to join a team. The same goes for coders who want to team up with other creative types.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of games I can submit?
A: No!

Q: I already made my minigame before the jam started. Can I submit it?
A: Yes! As long as it's a minigame made in DragonRuby you're welcome to submit it.

Q: Can I use images and music I found on the internet?
A: You can use anything you like if you have a legal right to use it.

Q: What if I've never made a game before?
A: This is a beginner-friendly jam and a perfect opportunity for you to get started. Internationally famous, big-shot game designers are welcome too. We don’t judge.

Q: What is DragonRuby?
A: DragonRuby is a tiny 2D game engine that’s super easy to get to grips with but powerful enough to make professional strength games. It uses the Ruby programming language and it can build games for Windows, Mac, Linux, consoles and phones! We think it's great. Check it out here: https://dragonruby.itch.io/dragonruby-gtk 

Q: I don't own DragonRuby GTK yet. How can I get it?
A: DragonRuby has agreed to provide free Game Jam licenses for all participants in this game jam. To get your free Game Jam license, look here: http://teenytiny.dragonruby.org.

Q: Are you guys being paid to say nice things about DragonRuby?
A: Nope. We're just big fans.

Q: Can I make my minigame(s) using [some other engine]?
A: Sorry, this is a DragonRuby only jam. Don't worry though, DragonRuby is easy to pick up!

Q: I want to learn DragonRuby! Where should I go?
A: Before you do anything else, drop by the DragonRuby Discord and say Hi. You'll find answers to every DragonRuby question http://discord.dragonruby.org.