Information
What is a Game Jam
A Game Jam is a friendly Game Making competition, where you can make small video games in a short amount of time, using a provided theme.
You can participate either by yourself, or with a team. If you do not know anyone to do it with, join our Discord server to find team members!
Why do we Game Jam
A Game Jam is a great opportunity to test your game making skills, and to learn to make small interesting prototypes.
The short time frame of the competition 48 hrs, makes sure that the competitors learn what to prioritize and how to work efficiently.
Game Jams are also a great opportunity to find like minded people and to do networking!
What are the Rules?
- You will be provided with a randomly generated theme.
- Get a team together (maximum of four members) or do it individually.
- Make a very small game that uses the theme in a creative way, in 48hrs (6 pm of the Friday to 6 pm of the Sunday).
- Post the Itch.io link of your game in the Submission section of the Game Jams Discord.
Are there any Prizes?
Unfortunately, since the Game Jams are independently organised by Marco A. Valerio, at this current point in time you will Jam only for the glory of winning and getting featured in the Leeds Beckett Game Jam League itch.io page.
Also, the Game Jam itself is a good chance to start to do networking, since the judges are all mostly from the Game Industry!
Where is the venue for the Game Jam
As right now, the Game Jams are totally remote. You can do it from the comfort of your own bedroom, or you can set up a hub for your team an Jam together!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join even if I do not study how to make games?
Yes! Making games is not all about programming, drawing, 3d modeling, etc.; in the game industry there are also testers, writers, producers (they manage the team), actors (to do all the motion capture and/or voice acting), sound designers/composers and other interesting roles!
Please, write who you are and what can you do in the find-a-team channel and maybe you will find the right team for you!!
What are the judging criteria?
Fun - How enjoyable the game is to play
Originality - How interesting and inventive the underlying idea is
Presentation - How the game looks and sounds
These three criteria will add to to your Overall rating for your game.
Who is going to judge the games?
- Marco (Game Development lecturer)
- Any available Lecturer
- Guest Industry Judges (will vary depending availability)
Can I use Pre-Existing code?
Yes! You can use pre-existing code, libraries, and functions. But we ask that you don’t write code specifically for the jam, ahead of time.
You can also create things like a blank Unity project, a Github page, or your itch.io profile in advance to save time.
The jam moderators cannot advise you individually on what pre-existing code is or isn’t allowed. So please use your best judgement and work within the spirit of the rules.
Can I use Pre-Existing art and/or audio?
Yes! You can use whatever art and audio you have the legal right to use. We’d recommend making your own stuff (especially your own art) but it’s up to you.
That means you can use pre-existing sprites, textures, fonts, models, shaders, animations, sound effects, and music - including public domain assets, assets you have purchased, assets you have made yourself, or assets that are (legally-acceptable) derivative works of existing media.
You should credit all external art and audio in your game description.
The jam moderators cannot advise you individually on what assets you can use, so if in doubt, be cautious and make your own stuff! And they cannot advise individually on what answer you should provide to the submission questions, so please use your best judgement.
Can I change team halfway through the jam?
No, due to the fact that it would create massive chaos, but you can definitely change group for the next one!
Can I leave my current group and join another team?
During the jam, no. Before the next jam, yes.