When comparing One Game A Month (#1GAM) vs InsanityJam, the Slant community recommends One Game A Month (#1GAM) for most people. In the question“What are the best recurring game jams?” One Game A Month (#1GAM) is ranked 2nd while InsanityJam is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose One Game A Month (#1GAM) is:
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.
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Pros
Pro 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.
Pro 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.
Pro 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.
Pro Achievements
The game jam itself is a kind of game.
Pro Completely uncommercial
No ads, no email spam.
Pro Ten day format strikes a good balance between urgency and low stress
The single-weekend format of most jams can be daunting to the beginner, but on the other hand a short deadline is a great motivator. InsanityJam allows two full weekends for development, plus the week between them.
Pro Randomly assigned game ideas help break creative boundaries
The theme of InsanityJam is that every game is based on an individually-generated random idea. This takes focus off whether or not the idea is any good, bypassing a lot of potential hesitation. It can also help get participants out of their creative comfort zones.