{"id":793,"date":"2023-01-26T13:25:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-26T02:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/noblesteed.games\/blog\/?p=793"},"modified":"2024-01-23T15:01:34","modified_gmt":"2024-01-23T04:01:34","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-game-jams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/noblesteedgames.com\/blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-game-jams\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Game Jams"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You\u2019re likely here because you\u2019re thinking of getting into game jams and looking for advice, or just curious about what they are! Well, we\u2019ve tried writing a holistic guide, applicable to jams for both video and tabletop games!<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Illustration
Not that sort of jam!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n


Outline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. What are game jams?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. What are the biggest game jams?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. What games were made in a game jam?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Why should I join a game jam?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. How to participate in a game jam<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Advice on making the most out of game jams<\/a>
    <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    What are game jams?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Game jams are events where games are created with specified design constraints. To elaborate, these events, whether in-person or online, encourage game devs to create games with design restrictions to prompt creativity. These restrictions and game jam themes vary greatly, ranging from any of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Time<\/strong>:
      Most game jams are short, lasting from anything from a few hours to weeks and even years! (Check out the       Decade Jam<\/a>). Generally, all game jams have a set deadline for submissions, likely coming with either simpler or more detailed constraints in response.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Theme\/Topic<\/strong>:
      Some game jams have specific themes or topics that unify all game submissions. This could be broad fantasy themed game jams, to something as specific as making something based off a niche horror film from the 90s.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Genre<\/strong>:
      Most games include gameplay that\u2019s formulaic enough to be sorted by genre, this means platformers, puzzles, FPS and more! These genre based game jams test jammers\u2019 ability to create something unique to these common types of games.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Tools used<\/strong>:
      Sometimes, game jams specify which game engines, software or other tools you\u2019re meant to use (or not use). Popular game engines such as GameMaker, Unity and Unreal Engine have regular and popular game jams that use their own products. Beyond that though, there have been game jams that restrict the type of art programs, music\/audio software and even medium for traditional artwork.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Platform\/Medium<\/strong>:
      Beyond tools, the specific platform might result in interesting design constraints. For example, the       GameBoy Jam<\/a> restricts game submissions to requiring the Game Boy\u2019s 60px x 144p aspect ratio and 4 colours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Artistic assets\/Art Direction<\/strong>:
      Similar to the tools used, some game jams aim to have art assets of a certain style. For example, having all art assets be made in pixel, or hand drawn!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Inputs<\/strong>:
      An interesting design challenge is restricting what sort of player inputs are available for jammers. To give an example, one or two button inputs are sure to encourage focus on the game\u2019s narrative or other elements to make it unique!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    8. Length<\/strong>:
      Some game jams even have limitations on how long the game or experience should be, forcing jammers to think critically about what they\u2019d like to deliver to players in such a short time frame. For example, the       One Minute Jam<\/a> asks developers to create memorable impressions within a single minute of gameplay. Tough but potentially creativity inducing!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    9. A hybrid of the above<\/strong>Mixing things together sometimes helps with reducing the load on game jammers\u2019 to start making something! <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    10. And much much more!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      \"The
      Submissions for the 2021 Paint Jam, where participants had to make art assets in MS Paint.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      What are the biggest game jams?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      There are heaps of game jams running at once everyday, but generally the most popular ones will be tied to either popular content creators (that is, popular streamers, devs, gamers etc.) or organisations (such as Unity, Unreal Engine, GameMaker etc.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      For a full list of some of the game jams hosted on Itch.io, check out this comprehensive calendar.<\/a> Besides that there\u2019s this giant gantt chart<\/a> of indie game jams. (Be patient! There\u2019s a lot to load!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"Itch.io's
      Itch.io\u2019s monstruously sized calendar of game jams.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      But\u2026 those calendars can get overwhelming, so we made a new list! Here are the most popular game jams (for both video games and tabletop games):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Ludum Dare<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Global Game Jam<\/a> (UPDATE 23\/01\/2024: Global Game Jam is kicking off this week! Check out the full list of games and Global Game Jam sites here<\/a>!)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Nordic Game Jam<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Unity Play Showcase<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      5. GMTK Game Jam (Game Maker\u2019s Tool Kit)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      6. Unreal Engine\u2019s Epic MegaJam<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      7. My First game Jam<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      8. GitHub Game Off<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      9. One Page RPG Jam<\/a> (TTRPG Jam)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      10. NaNoRenO<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
        \"Ludum
        Ludum Dare, a popular 48 hour game jam!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        For some popular game jams organised by popular content creators:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Wowie Game Jam<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Blackthornprod Jam<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Vim Jam<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          What games were made in a game jam?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          If you\u2019re asking what game jams went off to be refined, further developed, and reached commercial success\u2026 some popular titles are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          1. Goat Simulator<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Va-11 Hall A<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          3. Baba is You<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          4. Forager<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          5. Donut Country<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          6. Celeste<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          7. Inscryption<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            And many more! Be sure to check out itch.io<\/a> for even more, sorted by specific game jams!https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20230208112547if_\/https:\/\/giphy.com\/embed\/bKNRMuPMY0hmdFpoO7Commercial success is not a metric to determining the merit of the game you made, especially for a jam!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Why should I join a game jam?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            1. It\u2019s fun to create!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Part of the joy of making games is, of course, making games. Cool visuals, exhilarating action, touching stories\u2026 the process of making these is fun and especially for developers, an essential part of the work!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              1. Something for the folio<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                After completing a game jam, you\u2019ll have a new title under your name for your folio! Doing so also keeps your skills sharp and relevant!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                1. Learn new skills as you experiment<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  Game Jams are a great way to experience the entirety of the game development cycle, usually in a short span of time! Whether it\u2019s production planning, time management, art asset creation, working with a team and more! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  1. Be as weird as you\u2019d like<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                    Something that doesn\u2019t get mentioned very often is that games are an art form. Commercialisation limits certain topics or themes for general palatability, but game jams are the space for you to be as weird as you\u2019d like! Whether it\u2019s a niche special interest or \u201cugly\u201d art style you\u2019d like to explore, that\u2019s entirely up to you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    1. Make new friends and connections<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                      In game jams that involve teaming up with strangers, you might meet people who end up being long term connections, potentially even collaborators on future projects. Even amongst solo jams, participating in Discord servers and more are great ways to get to know other jammers!<\/p>\n\n\n

                      \n
                      \"An
                      Make new friends!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                      How to participate in a game jam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      What to do before joining a game jam<\/strong>:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                        \n
                      1. Decide what you\u2019re doing: Is it a solo jam or team? Who are you bringing along? <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      2. Prepare your tools: What sort of software or other tools do you need? Make sure they\u2019re up to date and already working! (We have a blog on tools we use as a game studio<\/a> if you\u2019re looking for reference!)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      3. Organising food and drink: To avoid missing meals or eating unhealthily, prep your food beforehand!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                        What to do during a game jam<\/strong>:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                          \n
                        1. Ideation: Set time to brainstorm potential ideas, and keep to it! You don\u2019t want to get stuck ideating.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        2. Getting the GDD together: Synthesise your ideas into a game design document! This will keep things focused when you actually start production!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        3. Scoping out work and planning: Cut down things and plan how you\u2019ll be using your time! <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        4. Take breaks: Remember to eat and drink and shower! Burnout is ick, and this event is meant to be fun!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        5. Ask for help: If there are any problems, always reach out to someone for assistance, maybe even encouragement!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        6. Playtest: Make sure to allocate sufficient time for testing that the game works!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        7. Strive for done not perfect!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                          What to do after a game jam:<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                            \n
                          1. Rest and celebrate!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          2. Post it and receive feedback: In your planning phases, you should strive to allocate some time for submission!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          3. Play fellow jammers\u2019 games and leave feedback!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          4. Consider next steps (Optional): Potentially, you might be thinking of taking your project further, whether an expansion, a second instalment or more!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                            \n
                            \"An
                            Rest and recuperate after a job well done!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                            Some advice from the team if you\u2019re joining a jam:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                            \n

                            \u201cYou want to be spending as much of the jam time as possible implementing stuff, and less time experimenting and scraping stuff. Especially if you\u2019re working solo, it\u2019s not uncommon for teams to throw out the first few days\u2019 efforts and start over because the mechanic wasn\u2019t fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            To reduce risk and help with narrowing down ideas quicker, I choose a general \u201cgenre\u201d and set of base mechanics to commit before the jam. For example, in LD52, I chose \u201cplatformer\u201d. Then, when the theme was revealed I worked out if there was a novel way I could innovate on a platformer\u2019s mechanics with that theme, essentially figuring out a \u201chook\u201d for it. I do this because I understand platformer mechanics and how to juice them, meaning there\u2019s less experimentation involved. I just have to experiment on the novel stuff, be it some mechanic or narrative, which will make the game stand out. When you\u2019re making something \u201cnew\u201d, it\u2019s not about creating something entirely new, but building on top of what\u2019s already out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Besides this, go with what you know how to use! Whichever tool that doesn\u2019t slow you down and stress you out (Eg. Unity\u2019s loading screens), will save you precious development time. If using something unfamiliar means I am spending 10% of my time coding and 90% of my time searching and reading documentation, then it\u2019s not a good trade off. Choose something you know intimately and lightweight for a jam to reduce the stress! Consider researching learning something else in prep for the next jam instead!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Lastly, expect to fail the first few times! Game jams are hard, and completing something is an achievement. I\u2019m still working out how to be proficient at game jams and what I\u2019ve worked out so far is to just survive a jam and submit something in the end.\u201d<\/p>\nDom (@dom_dere)<\/a><\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

                            \"A
                            The game developers racing against the clock at PAX Survivor Game Jam in 2022, hosted by Noble Steed games!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                            Additionally, we\u2019re the hosts of Survivor Game Jam at PAX<\/a>, a hectic one hour game jam where pit teams against each other in front of a live audience. If ever you find yourself at PAX AUS, come find us! It\u2019ll be a fun, chaotic and hopefully educational time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            To conclude, we hope this guide has been helpful to those wanting to try their hand at a game jam! Good luck and all the best!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n\n\n\n

                            Have a question or want to chat more about game development? Reach out to us!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Other places you can find us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n