Good question! When "Roll the Dice" is used as the theme of a game jam, it’s usually not meant to be taken literally (like “you must include dice in the game”), but rather as a central idea that you can interpret creatively.
🎲 What does “Roll the Dice” mean as a jam theme?
It’s a metaphor for luck, randomness, risk, or unpredictability. The theme invites you to create a game based on:
🧠 Possible interpretations for your game:
-
Luck/Randomness:
-
Mechanics based on RNG (random number generation).
-
Example: each time the player acts, the outcome changes (like rolling a die).
-
-
Risky decisions:
-
The player must make choices with uncertain consequences.
-
Example: risking everything for a bigger reward.
-
-
Unpredictable gameplay:
-
The game changes every time you play: levels, weapons, or enemies are randomized.
-
Example: roguelikes or games with procedural generation.
-
-
Dice-themed (optional):
-
The character could use dice as a weapon, power, or gameplay mechanic.
-
Example: roll a die to determine your next action, movement, or attack.
-
✅ What is not required:
-
You don’t have to literally use a die in the game.
-
What matters is capturing the spirit of the theme: risk, chance, and unpredictability.