Game Jam

A game jam is a gathering of game developers for the purpose of planning, designing, and creating one or more games within a short span of time, usually ranging between 7 to 14 days. Game jams are a great way to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and collaborate with other developers.

How Does a Game Jam Work?

The game jam process typically involves the following steps:

1. Theme Announcement
2. Development Phase
3. Submission Deadline
4. Judging and Awards

Theme Announcement

At the beginning of the game jam, a theme or prompt is announced to all participants. This theme serves as the inspiration and constraint for the games created during the jam. Participants are encouraged to interpret the theme creatively and incorporate it into their game designs.

Development Phase

After the theme is announced, participants have a limited amount of time to work on their games. This phase usually lasts between 7 to 14 days, depending on the duration of the game jam. During this time, developers work on designing, programming, and creating assets for their games.

Submission Deadline

Once the development phase is complete, participants must submit their games before the deadline. Submissions typically include a playable version of the game, a description, and a game icon.

Judging and Awards

All submissions are posted in a special category of the Highrise Worlds Directory for 1 week. During this time, the Highrise players act as our judges. The top 3 games with the highest number of hours will be the winners and receive exclusive rewards!

Prizes and Awards

The top 3 winners of the game jam will receive the following prizes:

1. 🏆 1st Place: 300.000 Earned gold
2. 🥈 2nd Place: 200.000 Earned gold
3. 🥉 3rd Place: 100.000 Earned gold

The top 3 games will also win a 1 month in the Spotlight section of the Highrise World directory.

Rules and Guidelines

1. Worlds must be published and tagged with the provided tag name by the submission deadline.
2. Worlds must be created after the game jam theme announcement. Pre-existing worlds are disqualified.
3. You may use pre-existing code, art, and audio assets you have legal rights to use, but worlds made before the announcement cannot be reused.
4. Solo and group efforts are welcome. Teams of 2-4 people are recommended. Join the #studio-beta channel on our Discord to find teammates.
5. Participants must be 13 or older to join.
6. Worlds must follow the Highrise Community Guidelines.
7. In-world gold/items giveaways are not allowed during the judging period.
8. Games must follow the announced theme.

Rules and guidelines may vary depending on the specific game jam. Be sure to review the official rules and guidelines for the game jam you are participating in.

Benefits of Participating in a Game Jam

Participating in a game jam offers several benefits for game developers, including:

1. Skill Development: Game jams provide an opportunity to practice and improve your game development skills, such as programming, game design, and project management.
2. Creativity: The constraints of a game jam theme can inspire creative solutions and innovative game designs.
3. Networking: Game jams are a great way to connect with other developers, share ideas, and collaborate on projects.
4. Feedback: Participating in a game jam allows you to receive feedback on your game from judges and other participants, helping you improve your skills and design.
5. Rewards: Winning a game jam can lead to recognition, prizes, and opportunities to showcase your game to a wider audience.

The Earned gold can later be converted into real money or used to purchase items in Highrise.

Tips for Participating in a Game Jam

If you're considering participating in a game jam, here are some tips to help you make the most of the experience:

1. Plan Ahead: Before the game jam starts, brainstorm ideas, gather resources, and set realistic goals for your project.
2. Stay Organized: Create a development schedule, set milestones, and track your progress throughout the jam.
3. Collaborate: Consider working with a team of developers, artists, and designers to share the workload and bring diverse skills to the project.
4. Iterate: Don't be afraid to experiment, iterate on your ideas, and make changes based on feedback from playtesters.
5. Have Fun: Game jams are a creative and collaborative experience, so remember to have fun and enjoy the process of creating games.

Announcement

Announcement of the game jam will be made on the Highrise Forum and Discord server.

Stay tuned for updates and get ready to showcase your game development skills in the upcoming game jam!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are we allowed to make amendments to our game after the submission deadline?

Yes, you are allowed to make bug fixes and updates to your game after the submission deadline.

Can I participate in the game jam as a solo developer?

Yes, solo developers are welcome to participate in the game jam. You can work on your game individually or collaborate with other developers to create a game.

How are games judged in the game jam?

Games are judged based on criteria such as creativity, gameplay, theme interpretation, and overall engagement. Judges evaluate each game based on these criteria and provide feedback to the participants.

How often are game jams held in Highrise?

Game Jam Challenges are typically held on a monthly basis in Highrise and will begin on the first Monday of each month.

Where do I submit my game for the game jam?

You can submit your game for the game jam by publishing your world during the jam period and tagging it with the specified game jam tag. Learn more about publishing worlds.

Additional Resources

• Highrise Forum: Join the Highrise community forum to connect with other developers, share your projects, and get feedback on your games.

• Highrise Discord Server: Join the official Highrise Discord server to chat with developers, participate in events, and stay updated on the latest news and announcements.

Conclusion

Game jams are a fun and rewarding way to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and showcase your creativity as a game developer. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out, participating in a game jam can help you grow as a game developer and connect with a vibrant community of creators. So get ready to join the next game jam and unleash your creativity in the world of game development!