Submissions open from 2026-08-14 07:00:00 to 2026-09-14 07:00:00
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MISSION STATEMENT:

I love visual novels, I think we should get weirder about visual novels.

This jam is about that. It's about mixing art styles and techniques, about bringing in unexpected game design, about mashing up literary forms, about smashing musical genres together until something new emerges. There is no form of creation that is unsuited to visual novels, no genre convention that must be heeded. Use this jam as a safe space to experiment, to try things that might feel risky in a higher stakes jam, to burst out of the cocoon of the expected and normal.

There is no form of creation unsuited to visual novels. 

There is no form of creation unsuited to visual novels.

There is no form of creation unsuited to visual novels.

PRIZES:

The judges (Fisher, Ppilotco, and Laplace Atelier) will read all submissions and pick three favorites to be awarded a $200 honorarium each. All members of participating game teams must be 18+ in order to be eligible to receive a prize.

RULES:

  • Make something queer: We're not the cops, we're not going to tell you what counts and what doesn't, just make something sincere. 
  • Make it multimedia: VNs have been a multimedia genre since their inception, the most classic example is photographed backgrounds juxtaposed against drawn sprites, but we want you to get experimental with it. Bring in unusual artforms, bring in unexpected choices, take this jam to experiment and stretch your wings.
  • Make a VN: Generally speaking, the definition of visual novels is rather loose. The majority of the game should follow general VN conventions, but this is a mixed media jam, so play around and have fun. 
  • Graphic and NSFW themes: Graphic and NSFW themes are fine! There are no limitations on 'extreme content'. Please make sure to tag your games and provide content warnings. 
  • Don't be a bigot: Be mindful of hateful content and harmful stereotypes. Fix your hearts or die. 
  • No AI: Make your own game.

COMPETITION RULES:

  1. All games should at minimum run on Windows.
  2. All participants in the jam must be 18+
  3. Your submission should be made only in the jam's timeframe. Other than planning or outlining, please do not start before the formal start date. Use your best judgement and your honor.
  4. Judging has no deadline, and the judging period's length will depend on the number of submissions.
  5. No AI: The usage of any generative AI or LLM content is forbidden and will disqualify your submission from participation in the jam. 

EXAMPLES OF MIXED MEDIA QUEER VNS: