itch.io

We'll play the top games and then take requests for games. We can't guarantee we will play all games requested. We will not be able to download any games during the stream either.

So do we!

Please add a playable build to qualify for the free course.

If you are not on Discord and weren't able to submit your game, send an email with your game's itch link to janna@gamedev.tv and she can get you situated.

Easiest way it through our Discord. If you don't have discord, you can email janna@gamedev.tv with your game link!

gdev.tv/discord

You'd still have to make an itch page for the game to submit it to the jam. I'd advise you that you won't get as many plays/votes if you redirect people. But it is still possible to do.

You'll get the email.

Each asset has it's own license to follow.

Hey! Welcome in!
1 - every license is different. I know Unity does have a specific license, so just make sure to follow that.
2 - Everyone is different. Don't get stuck with one idea and that doesn't fit the theme so you have to start over. Prep generally. You can reuse code, yes.

3 - Not specifically, but we rely on the community to report pages so we can remove them.

Quick tip for Unreal users - make sure to spend some time making your game page pretty with screenshots and optionally video so people are more willing to download your game file and play and give you feedback/ratings.

Agree with goethe29. The actual game making needs to be within the timeframe.

This is open to everyone. It's saying that you can join the 2 million students who participate in GameDev.tv things (like courses) and join our game jam.

Teams & Collaboration

Q: How do I add collaborators? Does everyone need to join the jam? 

A: Yes—everyone on your team needs to officially join the jam on Itch.io. When you create your game submission page, you can add collaborators by inviting them in the project settings. This ensures everyone is properly credited and they get the email to redeem their free course.

Q: How do I find a team? 

A: You can connect with other participants in our Discord, forums, or Facebook group. Many people are looking to collaborate—don’t hesitate to post your skills and interests!

Game Engines & Builds

Q: Do I have to use a specific game engine? 

A: Nope! You can use any engine you like—Unity, Unreal, Godot, or something else entirely.

Q: Do I have to make a web build? 

A: No, but it’s recommended if possible. Web builds (HTML5/WebGL) allow judges and other participants to play your game instantly without downloads, which usually means more plays and feedback. If you are using an engine like Unreal which doesn't have a web build option, a good suggestion is spending some time on your game page, adding videos, images, and descriptions so people are more comfortable downloading a zip file.

Submissions

Q: How do I actually submit my game? 

 A:

1. Create a project page on Itch.io.
2. Add screenshots, a description, and your downloadable files or web build. (For image sizing tips to make your page shine, check out this guide). 
3. Publish your game (this is the most skipped step)!
4. On the jam page, click Submit your project and select your game.
5. Verify your game is in the jam by checking your game page → top right corner should show “Submissions to” with our jam listed.

Q: Can I edit my submission after submitting? 

A: Yes! You can update your game page with bug fixes, new builds, or extra screenshots. After the deadline, though, you may only fix bugs—no adding new features.

Theme & Scope

Q: What is the theme? 

A: The theme is a concept that you'd want to apply to your game overall. We will be hosting a live stream on YouTube for the game jam launch where we will announce the theme and brainstorm ideas for games. So if you are struggling, come to the live session!

Q: How should I scope my game? 

A: Keep your scope small: focus on one core mechanic and build a simple, fully playable game within the first few days. Limit content (levels, features, enemies) and avoid adding new ideas after mid-jam. Use the remaining time to polish and finish rather than expand. Don't forget to add some time to create your game page! After the jam is over, you can spend more time updating your game page and making it more presentable.

You'll receive the assets two days before the jam starts. This is to help decide if you want to use them and if you do use them, figuring out set up and making sure you don't have any issues. That way it doesn't detract from your actual game jam time.

The theme will be announced at the jam start. While the theme in most game jams is not required, it is a voting criteria and if you don't use the theme, your overall score will go down.

Any games that are created outside the timeframe of this jam are disqualified. You can easily report a game if you find one. We rely on the help of the community to report games that don't follow the rules as we get many submissions in this jam.

Lastly, there is no overall prize for the top winner. People staying confined to the timeline and restrictions of the theme will get the most out of the jam as they work towards creating a game.

Here's the full list of free assets that will be available from May 13th 2026 through May 25th 2026:

Just Create - https://justcreate3d.studio/product/low-poly-4-seasons-nature/

Mashumashu Studio - https://www.fab.com/listings/39b8793e-c455-4584-a8f6-bd2b8e0414b7

MoCap Central - https://mocapcentral.com/products/mocap-studio-series-sample-pack-free

PropHaus - 

https://www.fab.com/listings/518bb558-fdb2-4a87-8b6e-3e1218ba32b3

https://www.fab.com/listings/674e4347-8061-413a-a336-6c04509d7663

https://www.fab.com/listings/0678d570-cb08-4270-a1c7-1f92f2d1c545

https://www.fab.com/listings/447b9758-7c6f-48a7-b744-17fc5f17f7f6

https://www.fab.com/listings/597a65be-10b6-4176-9fa7-95dc86e154bb

https://www.fab.com/listings/16d9bda1-f838-4e1b-933e-18a65242c4ec

https://www.fab.com/listings/4247f591-40a2-4605-9ede-f1dc7c324c4b

Yes you can!

Yep!

Yes

Absolutely!

Hi! Support will be able to get back to you, but they don't respond instantly. If you'd like immediate help, we have people on Discord able to get your game submitted right now.

We've got a few people helping you and your team out on Discord to get this submitted!

Are you on Discord by chance? We can help you get submitted there.

Absolutely you can! We did discuss this on the live stream.

This! Take that image and get creative!

The theme is the visual image of the tv. You do not have to include the provided TV model, but you can if you'd like. You should interpret the image as you'd like to be creative and get inspired for your game.

The Trick or Treat mechanics is a fun bonus option to give yourself a challenge.

It is optional, but remember that one of the voting criteria is the theme. 

Have at it!

Yes!

Thanks!

Join us on our YouTube channel for the following live streams:

Game Jam Kick Off - October 10th 2pm PST - 3pm PST

Game Jam Closing Stream - October 20th 2:15pm PST - 2:45pm PST

Game Jam Games Played by GDTV - October 28th 2pm PST - 3pm PST

Technically yes. You want to stick to the timeframe of the jam, but it would be the same as grabbing a free asset from somewhere else.

As long as you follow the rules for both, yes.

As long as you have a valid license - use them!

Absolutely!

Like others have stated, the visual theme image will be posted on the page when the jam starts. We are also planning a live stream for questions and kick-off!

Teams & Collaboration

Q: How do I add collaborators? Does everyone need to join the jam?
A: Yes—everyone on your team needs to officially join the jam on Itch.io. When you create your game submission page, you can add collaborators by inviting them in the project settings. This ensures everyone is properly credited.

Q: How do I find a team?
A: You can connect with other participants in our Discord, forums, or Facebook group. Many people are looking to collaborate—don’t hesitate to post your skills and interests!

Assets & Tools

Q: What does “free assets” mean? Can I use tools that cost money?
A: You can use any free assets provided by us or ones you’ve found elsewhere, as long as you have the right to use them.

• Free assets = anything that costs nothing, including “name your own price” assets downloaded for $0.

• Paid tools = allowed, but you must legally own them (e.g., licensed software like Photoshop, plug-ins, etc.).

Q: Can I use AI tools?
A: Yes—AI is allowed as long as it’s used ethically and legally. This means:

• Don’t use outputs that infringe on copyright or trademarks.

• Clearly disclose if AI was used in your submission.

• Avoid passing off others’ work as your own.

Game Engines & Builds

Q: Do I have to use a specific game engine?
A: Nope! You can use any engine you like—Unity, Unreal, Godot, or something else entirely.

Q: Do I have to make a web build?
A: No, but it’s recommended if possible. Web builds (HTML5/WebGL) allow judges and other participants to play your game instantly without downloads, which usually means more plays and feedback.

Submissions

Q: How do I actually submit my game?
A:

1. Create a project page on Itch.io.

2. Add screenshots, a description, and your downloadable files or web build. (For image sizing tips to make your page shine, check out this guide).

3. On the jam page, click Submit your project and select your game.

4. Verify your game is in the jam by checking your game page → top right corner should show “Submissions to” with our jam listed.

Q: Can I edit my submission after submitting?
A: Yes! You can update your game page with bug fixes, new builds, or extra screenshots. After the deadline, though, you may only fix bugs—no adding new features.

Theme & Scope

Q: What is a visual theme?
A: The visual theme is an image we provide to spark creativity. You’ll need to incorporate this image into your game in some way. You can use it directly or interpret its elements creatively. Only the visual theme counts toward your theme score.

Q: What is a mechanic twist?
A: For this jam, we’re running a Trick-or-Treat mechanic twist. You’ll be given two abstract mechanics to choose from. You can do neither, one, or both—it’s purely for fun and won’t affect scoring.

Q: How should I scope my game?
A: Aim for something you can finish in about 4 days. Keep it simple, leave time to polish, and fix bugs. A small, complete game will always beat a big, unfinished one.

Stream Announcement Schedule for GameDev.tv Community Stream! 

May 24, 2024 @ 5:00 PM EDT - Post First Poll

Ready to kick things off? Join us as we post our FIRST POLL to decide the theme of our game! Your vote matters and shapes our creative journey. Don’t miss out—cast your vote and let’s make something extraordinary together! 

May 26, 2024 @ 1:00 PM EDT - Opening Stream

Let’s get this party started! We’ll be setting up the basic game input and functionality, including movement and firing. Watch the magic happen live, and help us steer the ship with your ideas and feedback! 

May 27, 2024 @ 4:00 PM EDT - Feature 1

Time to dive deeper! We’re implementing our first major feature, and we need your input to make it awesome. Join us for some serious coding and creative fun!

May 29, 2024 @ 4:00 PM EDT - Feature 2

Things are heating up! Watch as we bring our second major feature to life. Your suggestions and votes will guide us through every twist and turn. Don’t miss out on the excitement!

May 30, 2024 @ 4:00 PM EDT - Feature 3

We’re nearing the home stretch! Feature three is coming up, and we need your brilliance to make it shine. Be part of the action and see your ideas come to life in real-time!

June 2, 2024 @ 1:00 PM EDT - Final Stream

The grand finale! It’s time to bring in play testers and put our game to the test. Join us for a thrilling end to an amazing journey. Your feedback is crucial, and your presence makes it special!