Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🎮 What is Terminal Log Jam?
This jam is organized around the Terminal Micro Engine — a lightweight JSON-driven system for building retro terminals, sci-fi logs, horror micro-narratives, submarine consoles, and puzzle-based room/sector adventures. Any genre is allowed; you can submit a simple prototype or a fully developed game. All submissions must run in-browser.
✅ Who can participate?
Anyone! Solo devs or teams are both welcome. No particular experience level is required. As long as your entry uses the Terminal Micro Engine (modifications allowed), you’re eligible. Prototypes and full games are accepted.
🛠️ Can I submit a WIP (work-in-progress) build before the deadline?
Yes — absolutely! In fact, we encourage early WIP uploads. Uploading your game early lets you:
- gather feedback from other participants and players
- find and fix bugs thanks to bug reports from testers
- get help with logic, UI, balancing or design issues before final submission
- polish the experience gradually instead of rushing at the end
Treating your submission as “in development” is perfectly fine — prototypes are valid entries.
📬 Can I update my submission after first upload?
Yes — you can upload updated builds, fixes or improvements at any time before the jam deadline. Iterative updates (WIP → prototype → polished build) are encouraged.
🧪 What kind of feedback or contributions are welcome?
- Playtesting: try out other entries and share your experience.
- Bug reports: say what went wrong, under what conditions, and (if possible) how to reproduce it. Useful info: browser/OS, steps taken, error messages.
- Design/UI feedback: layout readability, terminal UX, commands clarity, terminal flow.
- Creative suggestions: level-design ideas, atmosphere, narrative tweaks, environmental/logging suggestions.
Be constructive and kind — the goal is to help people improve and learn.
🕒 Is there a deadline / submission period?
Yes — submissions are open from 2025-11-26 11:28:00 to 2026-01-31 11:28:00.
📁 What are the requirements / rules?
- Your game must use Terminal Micro Engine (modifications allowed).
- It must run in-browser.
- NSFW content is not allowed.
- AI-generated assets are allowed — but you must disclose their use.
- You can work solo or as a team.
🌱 Why is uploading early (WIP) a good idea?
- More time to iterate: early feedback helps you spot design flaws, bugs or UX issues while there’s still time to fix them.
- Community support: other devs might suggest improvements, optimizations, or creative ideas you didn’t think of.
- Stress reduction: avoids last-minute rushes and allows you to refine your project gradually.
- Better final result: with more testing and feedback cycles, your submission will likely be stronger, more polished and more enjoyable.