Game Demo Only Jam
Theme: Game Demo Only – your game must feel like a demo of a larger, unfinished project.
> No complete short games. Only demos that leave us wanting more.
Quick Summary
Make a game that presents itself as a vertical slice, teaser, or proof-of-concept. Time limits, locked features, "buy full version" jokes, demo watermarks, or an explicit "demo ends here" screen are all fair game. Real demos of real WIP games are also welcome.
Length: Comparatively short gameplay.
Platforms: Browser (preferred) or downloadable.
Size limit: 2 GB.
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The Rules
1. It must feel like a demo – not a complete, self-contained short game. Choose one:
- Single level, time-limited, cut off with "Thanks for playing the demo", etc.
- A finished story with no sense of a larger world.
2. Include at least one demo limitation – e.g. time limit, locked characters/levels, watermark, disabled saving, "full game has more content" message.
3. No "this is the whole game" excuse – the demo must intentionally restrain itself. "Full version would just be more of the same" is not enough – imply new features or content.
4. Real game demos are allowed – if your actual full game is in development, you can submit its demo. Please add a jam-exclusive thanks screen or an Easter Egg.
5. Playable in browser is strongly encouraged – download builds accepted, but browser play gets more attention.
6. Include a demo notice – either in-game text or in the description saying "This is a demo".
7. No asset flips – credit all assets. No intentionally broken/crashing games.
8. Keep it respectful – no hate speech, NSFW (e.g. sexual content involving minors), doxxing, malware.
9. Late submissions allowed within 24h after the deadline. Bug fixes allowed after submission (no new content).
10. AI is allowed - only if you credit properly.
11. No file changing allowed after submission - each game must have the appropriate file before being submitted. There is a file lock so you cannot change or see the files and/or project in this jam once submitted.
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Judging & Voting
Participants will rate entries on:
Feels like a demo (not a complete game)
Polish & presentation (intro/outro, demo boundaries)
Makes you want a full version
Creative use of the demo theme
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Optional Bonus Challenges
Add any of these for extra recognition in comments:
- Fake "Buy Full Game" button that does nothing or shows a joke
- Developer commentary explaining what the full game would have
- Demo-only glitch that is "fixed in the full version"
- Progress wipe on restart (classic shareware behaviour)
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How to Submit
1. Create your game (any engine – Unity, Godot, RPG Maker, Pico-8, etc.).
2. Export as HTML5 (or provide a downloadable build).
3. Upload to itch.io and set as playable in browser if possible.
4. On the jam submission page, tick "This is my submission" and paste your game URL.
5. In the game description, explicitly write: "This is a demo of [game name]. Full version would include [features]."
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FAQs
Q: Can I submit a game I already made before the jam?
A: Yes, as long as it follows the demo rules and you update it with a jam-exclusive addition.
Q: Does the demo have to be for a real full game I'm making?
A: No! Fake demos are totally fine. Just make us believe a larger game *could* exist.
Q: Can my demo be endless (like a score attack) if I put a time limit?
A: Yes – e.g., "Infinite mode, but demo cuts you off after 3 minutes."
Q: What if my game is literally a demo of an existing commercial game?
A: Allowed, but you must own the rights to distribute that demo.
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Community
Share screenshots, ask for feedback, or find teammates in the jam comments.
Use the hashtag #GameDemosOnlyJam on social media.
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Good luck, and remember: it's only a demo… or is it?
Cover from: Magnific