DevelopmentGame Development

What are the best recurring game jams?

9

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Considered

47

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May 30, 2018

Last
Updated

Here’s the Deal

9 Options Considered

Best recurring game jams	Price	Last Updated
87 One Game A Month (#1GAM)	-	May 30, 2018
84 Ludum Dare	-	May 30, 2018
-- BaconGameJam	-	Oct 16, 2014
-- Global Game Jam	-	Mar 10, 2017
-- InsanityJam	-	Oct 1, 2014

One Game A Month (#1GAM)

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No rules, only a goal

The goal of #1GAM is to release one game every month. The challenge is about maintaining that frequency, so there are no restrictions on any single creation. It doesn't matter when the game was started, how it was made, or even whether it's a computer game: "AAA" industry titles, games made during other jams, clones and ports of existing titles, and physical board and card games are listed among qualifying examples. See More

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Start any time

Many jams follow a regular schedule, but the actual event is only a few days long. In contrast, #1GAM is continuous and ongoing. Submissions are always accepted, and count toward the current calendar month. See More

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Achievement system rewards personal milestones

For extra encouragement, One Game A Month is a game! Participants are given experience points and publicly-visible achievement awards for individual releases, and for keeping an unbroken release schedule. Leveling up and stocking the virtual trophy case can become additional enticements to stick with the challenge. See More

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Achievements

The game jam itself is a kind of game. See More

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Completely uncommercial

No ads, no email spam. See More

Ludum Dare

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Long history and strong community

Ludum Dare has been running since 2002, with tens of thousands of entrants at every level of proficiency. As an industry-wide event, participation carries a sense of being part of something, and there's no shortage of interest or discussion online. See More

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Theme can be too specific

The themes can be too specific, which can limit the creative game ideas. See More

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Other people actually play your game

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The company of giants can be daunting

With regular entries from industry celebrities, a beginner has no reason to expect much attention, much less placement in the competition. See More

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Most popular game jam of all them

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A lot of mini jams

The main Ludum Dare event happens once in a year, but throughout the year, a lot of Mini LDs are held. Since I don't expect any great results at the main LD, which has countless participants including pros, I only do mini LDs. That's a lot of fun, because the community is large and people actually play your game in the events. See More

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Theme Voting == FUN

The fact that everybody gets to VOTE for an entire week to generate a shortlist and final theme which is announced in real-time to great fanfare is half the fun. It draws you in, gives you ideas beforehand, and generates a conversation online in the days leading up to each wonderful #LD48. It is like a drum roll that gets you excited. See More

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Chance to see developers writing code

Multiple developer have set up streams allowing people to follow development process in real time. There's a public directory on Twitch with Ludum Dare streams. See More

BaconGameJam

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Educational focus

BaconGameJam describes itself as a learning experience, and this ideal has shaped its rules and format as well as the culture of its community. See More

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Encourages teamwork

Based on the principle that learning happens faster in groups, teams are strongly encouraged. In particular, the BaconGameJam community favors impromptu teams formed on their reddit community before each jam. The rules and FAQ make reference to solo jams where teams are not permitted, but every BaconGameJam so far has allowed teams of unlimited size. See More

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Welcomes beginners and non-coders

BaconGameJam aims to be all-inclusive, encouraging participation regardless of skill. Those who can't code at all are invited join a team and contribute in some other way. Code-free game creation tools are also explicitly permitted. See More

Global Game Jam

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Live venues around the world

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Only happens once a year

7DRL

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You have 7 days

A bit more relaxed time frame than most game jams, but still short enough to feel like a jam. See More

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