Hello,
we would like to provide feedback regarding the very short-notice extension of the deadline by 12 hours.
We understand the intention of allowing as many participants as possible to complete their projects. However, we find this decision problematic, as it impacts the fairness of the competition.
A core aspect of a game jam, for us, is working within a fixed time constraint. Planning, prioritization, and meeting a clear deadline are essential parts of the challenge. When this deadline is changed after the fact, it creates a disadvantage for those who structured their time effectively and met the original deadline.
In our case, we submitted our project on time before the original deadline. Had we known in advance that an extension would be granted, we would have used that additional time to further improve our project.
The retrospective extension therefore creates the impression that participants who started later or managed their time less efficiently are being favored after the fact. From our perspective, this contradicts the fundamental idea of a game jam.
For future events, we would appreciate:
- clear and fixed deadlines without post-deadline changes or
- transparent rules in advance that clearly communicate the possibility of extensions
Our intention is not to take anything away from other participants, but to ensure fairness and consistency for everyone involved.
Thank you for organizing the game jam and for taking the time to read our feedback.
Kind regards, Dark Fable Studios