Ludum Dare vs BaconGameJam

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.