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RPG Maker 2025 Game Jam FAQ Sticky

A topic by ggg_gamejam created Feb 27, 2025 Views: 10,605 Replies: 207
Viewing posts 41 to 81 of 81 · Previous page · First page

Hi! Is it okay to submit the game I make for this jam into another game jam? The themes will be there for both and they both jams run the same time frame.

Host

Yep, there should be no problems.

Awesome, thank you!

Submitted

Hi there, just wanted to clarify something that somebody else already asked sort of. I was planning on making a game showing off the mechanics of my main WIP for the jam, is it okay to do that so long as I, for example, use my other WIP's common events as a template rather than copy-pasting? Also just in general is it okay to do a game that is sort of a showcase of mechanics for a future game? It has a separate story and characters, it's just based around the same farming system and world.

Host

Yes, that’s fine! As long as you’re not copy-pasting existing event data and are building everything new during the jam.

Submitted

Thank you!

Hello, it’s my first time participating in this sort of event and I just want to ask about the development rule for the game jam. Since the game must be developed within a one-month period, how will that be monitored. Are participants required to create a game page early in the jam to track progress or is it acceptable to create and upload the game only once it’s finished. 

Host

We won’t be actively monitoring development progress, so you’re free to create and upload your game only when it’s finished.

Thanks!

Submitted

Hello. Where can we see the games submitted for this jam? I usually see them on the jam's page and was just hoping to see the works of others. its fine if they wont be displayed here until the end. Thank you for any answers

Host(+1)

The submissions are going to be displayed at a later time near the jam's end.

(2 edits)

Are you allowed to submit one part of a whole game? If it was the first "Chapter" of the game, would that be breaking any rules? Or would a demo for a game be more acceptable?

Host

Your game does not have to be finished for submission. As long as it's 15 minutes minimum, it should be fine.

Is the use of MKXP allowed?

Host

Yes it is. It does not interfere with normal RPG Maker XP operations.

Submitted

Hello, i have few question about the rules

  • I'm not native English, and my English it's a bit rough, i can use chat gpt / or other websites  to help me for the translation?
  • I can use a free plugin for my jam project? I must credit them? Even though they are super simple and do not change the gameplay of the game?

Thanks :)

Host

Yes, it’s totally fine to use ChatGPT or other tools to help with translation. You can also use free plugins in your project; just make sure you have the right to use them and include proper credit.

Submitted (3 edits)

Hello! I have a question:
Will the judges give priority to the windows version if there is a browser version?

I want to add a browser version ON TOP of the windows one, but RPG Maker is hard to optimize for browser (my last browser project sometimes crashed at launch), so I'm worried the experience might get compromised a little.

Host (1 edit) (+1)

The judges will prioritize the Windows version for evaluation, so you don’t need to worry if the browser version isn’t optimized. You’re welcome to include both, but only the Windows version will judged.

Host(+1)

The judges will prioritize the Windows version for evaluation, so you don’t need to worry if the browser version isn’t optimized. You’re welcome to include both, but only the Windows version will judged.

Submitted

If I don't win the prize or have any monetary gain, my game is considered non-commercial, right? If so, can I use assets that only allows non-commercial use?

Host

If your game does not win a prize or generate any revenue, it would be considered non-commercial. In that case, you can use assets that allow non-commercial use only.

Hello! Just to confirm, are mods that overhaul quite a bit of RPG maker (such as yanfly) allowed (assuming that we follow proper ToS rules)?

Host

Yes, mods like Yanfly’s are allowed as long as you follow the terms of use and properly credit them.

Hello! My team is using RPG Maker 2003, and we were wondering if the use of RPG Maker patches such as the Maniac's Patch or DYN RPG is allowed.
We want to use certain features of the patch to simplify eventing. Would that disqualify us from the Jam?

Host(+1)

Yes, both Maniac’s Patch and DYN RPG are allowed, as long as you’re using them with the official Steam version of RPG Maker 2003.

Awesome! Thank you

Submitted (1 edit)

Hello! 2 questions: 

- Can I use http://charas-project.net/charas2/index.php for my 2k3 submission?

- Will the judging process be livestreamed or recorded somewhere? I would love to watch along and see all the submissions in one go!
(I have seen game jam submissions be livestreamed in Discord group call, for example)

Thanks!

Host(+1)

Yes, you can use Charas-Project for your RPG Maker 2003 submission.

As for judging, some of the judges do plan on livestreaming entries. We’ll have more details on that soon!

Submitted (2 edits)

Hi! I also wish to ask regarding the ESRB Teen rating: Are swear words okay? Not excessive, but occasional F words here and there, cursing, or any obscene language for aggressive expressions and such? Of course, nothing that's meant to be derogatory or discriminatory to any group of people.

Host

Occasional strong language, including the F-word, is fine under an ESRB Teen rating as long as it’s not excessive.

Submitted

thank youuu!!

Is it okay to make the art with limited colors like the gameboy?

Host

Yes, using a limited color palette like the Game Boy’s style is totally fine!

Submitted

It says a windows compatible version is required... 

Does this mean a downloadable windows versions,
or is a HTML5 game that can be played on windows also allowed? 

Host(+1)

A downloadable Windows version is required. HTML5 builds are optional but not a substitute.

Submitted

Yeah, I realized too late that it was a stupid question. :p How is anyone going to check if anyone made this game within the jam if they can't access the files. But it is good to know I can upload both, so that is what I will do. Thank you very much, and have a great jam.

Another question GGG_Gamejam

When we submit our games, should the text file(credits) and the folder of our of rpgmaker game be included in some sort of zip or compressed file? Do you have any preference on how these should be packaged?

Host(+1)

Yes, please include your game folder and credits text file in a zip file or compressed folder for submission.

Thank you, I will keep in mind!

Are we allowed to use prexisting assets that we made ourself such as visuals and music? :0

Host

Yes you can. Please refer to the FAQ post for more details.

Submitted

Just wondering: considering everyone has different tastes in games and would judge things differently, are each of the games going to be played and scored by multiple judges? Or is the score given by one judge going to completely determine the outcome for a singular game?

Host

Please refer to this topic for the judging details.

Submitted

I don't see anything on the post about how many judges are evaluating each game :(

Host(+1)

The specifics of how many judges play each game are something we’re currently discussing internally, but that part of the process won’t be shared publicly. That said, we’re doing our best to ensure judging is as fair and balanced as possible for all entries!

Submitted

awesome, thank you!

Submitted

Another question, just wanted to make sure it's okay if I have someone help test the game before I submit it other than myself. It would only be one person helping with debugging, so I figure that counts as someone on my team, but I just wanted to make sure since we aren't supposed to distribute the game before judging begins.

Host

The only requirement is that actual game development is done within the jam duration. We do not limit distribution and you can send your game to people to debug!

Submitted

Awesome, thank you!

Hi. Or did I miss it or is it not written, as I understand it, the development of the game should be strictly based on the RPG Maker engine

Host (2 edits)

All allowed engines is posted in the jam page with accompanying images! It's on the first paragraph inside rules and guidelines :)


Engine Requirement: You must use Gotcha Gotcha Game's Maker series engine (Official Site, Steam, Epic Store). Games made in other engines are not eligible for this jam. Each mainline Maker engine has a trial version with full features, while RPG Maker Unite's trial is only available for a limited time.

hi

how can see the other submissions

Host(+1)

Submissions are hidden for now to prevent spam, illegitimate entries, or people using the jam to advertise unrelated games or assets. They’ll be visible once the jam ends and the submission period is over!

cool thx

Submitted

Do judges start playing entrees before the end of the period? 

I just fixed a quite important (visual) bug, and hope the judges will see the updated version, instead of the bugged one.

Host(+1)

Judges will not start playing entries until after the submission period is over so you still have plenty of time.

Hello! Was just wondering if using ChatGPT with helping create my plugins ok? The biggest use I had of it was creating a template of what I wanted and then going from there. Most of the time though it's for debugging, like if there are undefined errors and whatnot. Thanks!

Host

Using ChatGPT to help with debugging or to create code templates that you then build on yourself is fine. The restriction is mainly aimed at generating final game content (like art, music, or text) that’s directly used in the game without significant user input.

Appreciate the quick reply and clarification! Thank you! :D

Submitted

I see that in ESRB Teen rating, partial nudity is part of it. So I have a question regarding this: Is it okay to have a character who's supposedly naked in an art, but his private parts are covered/censored/blurred out?

Host(+1)

Yes, that would be acceptable under a Teen rating as long as the nudity is non-sexual and the private areas are censored.

Submitted

Awesome! Thank youuuu!

Submitted

Hello,

I have never submited before, do we have to zip the file? Send it as it normally is when hitting Deployment?

Thanks!


WIlliam 

Host

Yes, you should zip your deployed game folder (including all necessary files and a credits text file) into a single ZIP file before uploading it to Itch.io. This keeps everything organized and ensures it can be downloaded and played without issues.

Submitted

Hi, just wanted to check something. I submitted my game early. If I updated version of my game that's up on itch.io to fix some bugs that came up after I submitted the game to the jam, do I need to resubmit? Or do the games get pulled from the current page at the time of judging?

Host

You can update your game files up until the end of the submission period. Whichever files you submitted last will be the ones pulled.

Submitted

Oh yeah, a suggestion: can you ask the judges to write the scores per category when people get their results? Like in the rpg maker forums someone said that in one of these jams they got the points per category, but in some other jam only the total score. I think seeing the results per category would be fun and if the judges are anyway giving them per category, writing them down takes just a moment.

Host(+1)

You'll be able to see how your game was rated in each category on your submission page once judging is complete!

Submitted (2 edits)


Will there be community voting in addition to judges? Jams without community voting end up being alot less fun cause there's no engagement after submission.


Thanks

Host

Yes submitters and contributors will be allowed to vote. Only the judge vote will determine official prizes.

Submitted

Hello, is this too much for ESRB Teen? 

Host

No that would be acceptable.

Submitted

What's the time expectancy for evaluating the submissions and announcing winners?

Host

We'll be evaluating entries for the duration of the voting period and will announce the winners shortly after.

Submitted(+1)

Looking forward to the results! Just being part of this jam already feels like a win. Even if I don’t win, I feel like I gained something inside. 

Submitted (1 edit)

This isn't exactly a question related to the jam process itself, but is using the banner art of the jam for YouTube thumbnails allowed? I was thinking of playing some jam games on stream, so I wanted to make sure first.

Host

Yes that would be fine!

Submitted

Are we allowed to make new devlog posts (not new file uploads) on our project pages now that the deadline has passed, or do we have to leave the project page “frozen” until after the judging period is over? :)

Host(+1)

You're allowed to update your jam page.

Submitted

Thank you for the swift reply :)

Submitted

Hi,I have already delivered my game and I have already been notified of a possible fatal error, I wanted to know if it was allowed to make this kind of changes

Leaving aside that the error affects a frequent mechanic in the game (thought among other things on the Game Jam Theme) and that from the tests its execution is arbitrary so the worst kind of error to solve (I don't think I can solve it quickly) sometimes there is almost immediately, others only very rarely (as of now the error happens to me 1 time out of 7)

So I also wanted to understand if this would make the game invalid according to the criteria (I already made sure that it is also possible to finish it)

P.S. English is not my native language, when I can for my projects I get people who know it better than me to supervise me, but this message was made with an automatic translator, so I don't know how clear it can be

Host(+1)

Now that the submission period is over files are locked and no further changes can be made. If your game is still finishable it won’t be disqualified, but judges may stop playing if the error happens early.

Submitted

I didn't know this, thanks for the quick reply

Submitted

I'm using someone else's assets in my game. I have them credited in the end credits but do I need to credit them elsewhere? Should I make a dev post or upload a text document?

Host

As long as the credits are clearly shown in your game then that’s fine. You can also add a credit section to your game’s page now that file uploads are locked.

Submitted

Thanks!

Submitted

I put my credit info into a game event, is that mandatory to have an independent credit file? If so, is there any chance I can upload credit info, or posting credit on game page to meet the requirement?

Host

It’s not mandatory to have a separate credit file, but credits should be included somewhere. An in-game event would suffice, but posting it on your game page would also be appreciated.

Submitted

Got it thanks! I'll add the credit info on game page as well.

Submitted (1 edit)

Hi there! Quick question about publishing rights. Say I decide against selling the game jam version of my game, but I do want to make an expanded, longer version of it, with better graphics and an enhanced story, do I still need to reach out to Gotcha Gotcha first before trying to sell the revised version?

Specifically, is it the game we submitted that is under contract, or the IP of the game itself?

Host

The publishing rights clause only applies to prize winners, and it covers the IP of the submitted game, not just the jam version. If your game doesn’t win a prize, you’re free to do whatever you like!

Submitted

Thank you!!

Submitted

Sorry if this has been addressed, but am I still able to update this project, or do I need to make a new game page to continue its development?
I just want to make sure I wont be DQ'd if I keep updating the game while its being judged now that the deadline is up. I have no issue waiting until judging is over or even making a new game page and keeping this "Game Jam Edition" untouched.

Host

All jam submissions are now locked and can’t be updated until the voting period is over. Once the voting period is over, you'll be able to update your project again. If you’d like to continue development in the meantime, you’re welcome to create a new project page.

Submitted

Is there a chance to get a list of the twitch streams and what games are played in those twitch streams? 

Submitted(+1)

These are the ones I know, however I don't have a list for either, sometimes I think they publish a list for games they'll play in their communities but dunno if all of them, still a bit behind on following everyone 😅.

Benny https://www.twitch.tv/bennymakesgames he's been streaming. If I'm not mistaken he'll eventually publish each game separate on Youtube.

HawkZombie https://www.twitch.tv/hawkzombie also been streaming, you can check his VODs for now.

Liberty https://www.youtube.com/c/7thlittleleopard7 she will not stream the games due to life stuff, however she's uploading each as videos directly to her YouTube.

RedNova https://www.twitch.tv/annoyednova/ also streaming, already started.

Riggy2k3 https://www.twitch.tv/riggy2k3 also streaming and alread started.

Yumemi Caelestis https://www.twitch.tv/yumemivt https://www.youtube.com/@yumemivt honestly Yumemi is the one I know the least of, their Twitch was active past week so they might do a stream soon.

Submitted

I see some judges mention a “round one”. Is the process going to be divided in rounds? Any details that you can disclose how that works?

Submitted

I don't know exactly details either but from what I've watched and asked them (?), there's two rounds. You'll have the chance to get two judges every round to look at your game.

So, for example, let's suppose Hawk and Benny play my game in round 1, next round another 2 judges will look at it (for sake of example let's say Libby and Yumemi).

Some things I'm not sure is what each round entails, if they all play all games in both rounds, totaling 4 judges looking at your game. Or if some games are left out from round 2, what are the conditions under which games pass or not pass to round 2.

Host(+2)

Thanks for trying to be helpful. However, we’d like to ask that answers to FAQ and judging process questions be left to the official jam team to avoid any confusion. We’ll continue providing updates directly as needed.

Host

Judging is being split into two rounds. Each entry will have at least two judges play it to ensure it gets a fair evaluation. We’re not disclosing details about how the second round will work, but we're trying to keep it as fair as possible while also balancing the large number of entries.

Submitted

Thanks!

Submitted(+4)

have the winners of the panel judging also been announced?

Host (1 edit) (+2)

The winners have been announced on the jam page: https://itch.io/jam/rpg-maker-2025-game-jam

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