📅 Event Dates

May 10, 2025 - Jam Begins
May 26, 2025 – Submission Deadline
May 27, 2025 – Finalists Announced
May 31, 2025 – Live Awards & Networking Event at the Black Box Theater (next to NVM)

📍 Awards Location: National Videogame Museum, Frisco, TX

📝 Hosted by: Dallas Game Producers & National Videogame Museum

1. Overview

The Throwback Game Jam Competition is a unique opportunity for game developers to showcase their creativity by submitting innovative proof of concepts that pays homage to pivotal eras in the games industry. Developers will submit proof of concepts to compete for an opportunity to be included in the Throwback Game Jukebox, a curated installment showcased at the National Videogame Museum. A panel of game developers and players will select the top 3 finalists based on criteria. The finalists will showcase their proof of concepts live at the National Videogame Museum, network with other competitors, industry professionals, and local game developers. This competition is open to all game developers looking to explore the intersection of game development and historical preservation.

2. Eligibility

To participate, teams must meet the following criteria:

Open to Devs:
The competition is open to all game developers.

Original Concepts:
Submitted games must be original and not adaptations of existing games or intellectual property owned by another party.

Theme Alignment:
Games must emphasize the Throwback Game Jam theme of paying homage to games from a historical time period.

4. Judging Rubric

Gameplay (1-5 points) – Originality, creativity, and player engagement.

Art Direction (1-5 points) – Uniqueness, quality of art

Sound (1-5 points) - Quality of sound, sound implementation

Theme (1-5 points) – Inclusion of 90s theme for game jam. Each category is scored out of 5 points, with a total possible score of 20 points. The top 3 highest-scoring teams will be selected as finalists. The selection jury will use its discretion to select the top 3 games of the finalists or in the event of a tie.

Employees or direct affiliates of Dallas Game Producers, National Videogame Museum, and event judges are not eligible to compete.

5. Finalist Selection & Live Awards Event

📢 Announcement of Finalists The Top 3 Finalists will be notified via email on May 26, 2025. Finalists must confirm their live-event participation within 48 hours of notification.

🎤 Live Presentation Details Selected finalists will present their games live at the National Videogame Museum on May 31, 2025. Each team will have:
-6 minutes to present their game concept.
-2 minutes for Q&A from the judging panel.
-Presentation Materials Encouraged: Teams may use slides and prototypes to support their presentation. Finalists are responsible for their own travel and accommodations.

6. Prizes & Recognition

🏆 Three Finalists:
-Inclusion in the Throwback Game Jukebox, to be exhibited at the National Videogame Museum as an installment.
-Press and social media spotlights on the winning game concept.

🏅 All Competitors:
Invitation to a private networking event with industry professionals.

7. Code of Conduct

By participating, all contestants agree to:
✔️ Conduct themselves professionally and respectfully.
✔️Avoid hate speech, harassment, or offensive material in their submissions.
✔️ Present original, non-plagiarized content. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in disqualification.

8. Disclaimers

The event organizers reserve the right to modify rules, dates, or format if necessary.

All intellectual property remains with the creators; however, by submitting, teams grant Dallas Game Producers and NVM permission to showcase materials for promotional purposes.

Competing doesn’t guarantee winning.

9. Contact Information

For any questions, please contact:

📩 info@dallasgameproducers.com
🔗 https://dallasgameproducers.com/