🎼 Precision OST Jam

Compose the soundtrack of a game that doesn't exist... yet.

Struggling to find inspiration from vague themes?
Would you rather compose with a clear creative direction?
Or do you simply want to write an original video game soundtrack and share it?

The Precision OST Jam is made for you.

🎯 The Concept

Unlike traditional OST jams, this one doesn't revolve around a single vague theme. Instead, you'll receive a creative brief that becomes increasingly detailed depending on how much guidance you want.

Every participant follows Level 1. After that, you're free to continue to Level 2, 3, 4 or even 5. The higher you go, the more specific the creative direction becomes.

📖 How Precision Levels Work

The brief is divided into 5 Precision Levels. Each level adds new information while keeping every previous instruction.

• Story and narrative
• Location and atmosphere
• Gameplay situation
• Musical direction
• Specific composition constraints

If you choose Level 4, you must also follow Levels 1, 2 and 3.

Example

• Level 1 — Beginning of an adventure
• Level 2 — Energetic and optimistic mood
• Level 3 — Medieval village
• Level 4 — A lively magical marketplace
• Level 5 — Acoustic instruments only

This is only an example and not the actual brief.

💪 Bonus Challenges

Looking for an extra challenge?

Each edition may include optional Bonus Challenges. Unlike Precision Levels, Bonus Challenges can be attempted regardless of the level you choose.

You may complete none, one, or several Bonus Challenges. They are entirely optional and are not required for a valid submission.

Bonus Challenges are NOT a judging criterion. They exist only for participants who want additional creative constraints.

Example

• Use a didgeridoo.
• Use an asymmetric time signature.

These are only examples and not the actual Bonus Challenges.

📝 How to Participate

1. Join the new Discord server.
2. Read the brief.
3. Choose your Precision Level.
4. Optionally select Bonus Challenges.
5. Compose your soundtrack.
6. Submit your entry.
7. Rate other participants.

🎵 Your Submission

Your submission must include:

• One original music track
• Length between 1:30 and 8:00
• A description explaining your fictional game, the music's context and your creative decisions
• A screenshot of your composing environment

Optional additions:

• Cover artwork
• YouTube / SoundCloud link
• Any additional material related to your project

⭐ Judging Criteria

• Composition Quality
• Production Quality
• Match to the Brief
• Memorability
• Overall Enjoyment

The chosen Precision Level is NOT a judging criterion.
A Level 1 submission can absolutely win the jam.

📜 Rules

• Only one submission per participant.
• The track must be original and composed during the jam.
• The music must be created using composition software (DAW, MuseScore, Dorico, Finale, Sibelius, etc.).
• Real instruments and vocals are allowed.
• All content must be appropriate for all ages.
• Constructive feedback is encouraged.
• Generative AI is strictly forbidden for every part of your submission, except cover artwork.

💡 Why This Format?

Professional game composers rarely receive only one word as a theme. They receive detailed creative briefs describing the game's world, story, emotions and gameplay.

This jam recreates that experience while letting you decide how much guidance you want. Whether you're looking for inspiration or a real compositional challenge, there's a precision level for you.

🔓 The Brief

The official Precision Levels will be revealed when the jam begins.

1. Music for a minigame in a video game.
2. The music must be mischievous (feel free to interpret this however you like…) and energetic.
3. The music must feature a free-reed instrument, such as an accordion or harmonica.
4. The game is called World of Cakes, a chaotic cooking party game.
5. The music must be a ragtime piece (not necessarily played on the piano).

Bonus Challenges:

• You may include sounds from objects related to the game's setting (for example, pots and pans, especially if you're going for Level 4).
• Your music may include a modulation (a change of key).

Good luck, and have fun composing