Hey Alter Gang!

We’re thrilled to announce our 7th contest: a Game Jam! This is your chance to create an incredible platformer game & win some exciting prizes.

For your Game submission to The Alter Contest 7, follow these steps to incorporate the genre and theme:

1. Prepare Assets: Begin by gathering and creating assets that fit the genre, which is Platformer. This could include sprites, backgrounds, sound effects, and music that suit a platformer game environment.
2. Theme Integration: The theme is "Programming", brainstorm how it can be woven into your game. The theme should influence the game's mechanics, story, visual design, or overall concept.
3. Design and Development: Develop your game ensuring that the genre (Platformer) and theme(Programming) are seamlessly integrated. The gameplay should reflect the platformer genre, with mechanics such as jumping, running, and avoiding obstacles, while the theme(Programming) should be evident in the game's narrative, level design, or challenges.
4. Submission: Once your game is developed, test it thoroughly to ensure it runs smoothly. Submit your game with a brief description that explains how the theme is integrated into the gameplay and the overall design.

By thoughtfully incorporating both the genre and the theme, you'll create a cohesive and engaging game that stands out in the competition.

Contest Details:

• Genre: Platformer. Below’s a video to know what Platformer games are exactly.
• Theme Reveal: The theme is announced on August 4th - "Programming".  Join our Discord to get notified: Join here
• Duration: You’ll have 7 days to develop with both Genre & Theme and submit your game by August 12th.

How to Enter:

1. Click on the "Join Jam" button above.
2. Join our Discord for updates and the theme announcement on August 4th.
   • Discord Link: Join here
3. Submission starts from August 5th to August 12th 2024.

Why Participate?

• Build Your Portfolio: Use this opportunity to create a game and add it to your portfolio.
• Experiment Freely: Don’t be afraid to try new game concepts. The reception is secondary to the learning experience and fun.
• Showcase Your Skills: This hackathon is a great way to showcase your development skills for future collaborations.
• Have Fun: Press that join button and upload a game before the deadline, and you’re already a winner. Enjoy the process of creating and finishing your game project!

Winner Prizes

Thanks to our sponsor and organizer, The Alter Office, we have some awesome prizes! $350 worth of Amazon gift cards* + Eternal Glory of winning the Game Jam!

• 1st Place: $200 gift card
• 2nd Place: $100 gift card
• 3rd Place: $50 gift card

*Participants will receive an Amazon gift card for the Amazon website that applies to their country. (Note: No gift cards for amazon.com.br, Brazilians will receive amazon.com gift cards.)

Judging Criteria:

• Playability: Focus on making sure your game runs smoothly and is enjoyable to play.
• Theme Implementation: How well did you incorporate the given theme into your game.
• Cleverness: Show off your unique mechanics and storytelling twists.
• Artistic Style: All styles are welcome, from pixel art to unique soundtracks. Make something that works for your vision.

Judges will have the final freedom to vote on their favourite games according to the criteria mentioned above.

Rules and Regulations:

1. Eligibility: Open to all participants, solo or in teams.
2. Game Requirements:
   • Must fit the given genre and theme.
   • Playable on web, Windows, or Mac.
   • Suitable for a general audience.
3. Assets and Code:
   • Pre-existing code and assets are allowed.
4. Submission:
   • Submit the game by the deadline.
   • Include a brief description and installation instructions.

Important Dates:

• Theme Reveal and Start Date: August 4th 2024
• Submission Deadline: August 12th 2024
• Winners Announcement: August 20th 2024

Check out the history of our Alter Contests here.

FAQs for The Alter Contest 7: Casual Game Hackathon

1. Can I submit more than one game? No, each participant or team can only submit one game for the contest.

2. What tools can I use to create my game? You can use any game development tools or engines, as long as the final game can be played on web, Windows, or Mac.

3. Can I update my game after submission? No, once the submission deadline has passed, no further updates or changes can be made to the game.

4. How do I ensure my game meets the theme? The theme will be announced at the start of the contest. Make sure your game clearly incorporates the theme in its mechanics, story, or design.

5. Are there any restrictions on the content of the game? Yes, the game must be suitable for a general audience and should not contain offensive or inappropriate content.

6. How will I know if my submission was successful? You will receive a confirmation email from itch.io once your game is successfully submitted.

7. What if I encounter technical issues during submission? Join our Discord here and seek help in the designated support channel.

8. Will there be any mentorship available during the contest? While direct mentorship isn’t provided, you can connect with other participants and seek advice on our Discord server.

9. How will the winners be announced? Winners will be announced on our Discord server and through email notifications.

10. Can I use previously created assets and code? Yes, you can use pre-existing assets and code, but make sure to create something new and original for the contest.

Terms and Conditions for The Alter Contest 7: Casual Game Hackathon

1. Eligibility:
   • Open to all participants aged 18 and above.
   • Participants can join solo or in teams.
2. Contest Period:
   • The contest starts on August 5th and ends on August 12th,2024.
   • The theme will be revealed at the start of the contest.
3. Submission Requirements:
   • Games must fit the provided genre (Platformer) and theme.
   • Games must be playable on web, Windows, or Mac.
   • Submissions must be made via itch.io by the deadline.
   • Include a brief description and installation instructions.
4. Content Restrictions:
   • No offensive, inappropriate, or harmful content.
   • Pre-existing assets and code are permitted, but the game must be new.
5. Judging Criteria:
   • Playability: Smooth and enjoyable gameplay.
   • Theme Implementation: Creative use of the theme.
   • Cleverness: Unique mechanics and storytelling.
   • Artistic Style: Visual and audio appeal.
   • Judges Choice: Judges decision is final based on above crietria.
6. Prizes:
   • Overall Winner: $300 Amazon gift card.
   • 1st Place: $200 gift card.
   • 2nd Place: $100 gift card.
   • 3rd Place: $50 gift card.
   • Prizes are subject to the availability of Amazon gift cards in the winner's country.
7. Rights:
   • Participants retain all rights to their submitted games.
   • The Alter Office reserves the right to use submitted game materials for promotional purposes.
8. Disqualification:
   • Any form of cheating, plagiarism, or rule violation will result in disqualification.
   • Late submissions will not be considered.
9. Liability:
   • The Alter Office is not responsible for any technical issues, data loss, or other problems that may occur during the contest.
10. Changes and Cancellation:

• The Alter Office reserves the right to change or cancel the contest at any time without prior notice.

By participating in The Alter Contest 7, you agree to abide by these terms and conditions.

For more information and updates, visit our Discord.

Join us on this exciting journey and let’s make this Game Jam epic!

Cheers, The Alter Gang Team

For more information about our sponsor, visit The Alter Office.