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Can I use existing game?

A topic by KonKol created Jun 18, 2026 Views: 260 Replies: 8
Viewing posts 1 to 5
Submitted (1 edit)

For example, I have an unpublished game on which I was working a few weeks already. If game jam theme aligns with this game, can I use it or this will be considered as cheating? Or maybe I can use some assets from it, where's the line?

(+1)

of course not, the idea is to make one is the whole point of a game jam

Submitted

Got it 👍

no, it is cheating and it would take all the fun away for you

Submitted

Having no fun is no fun, so no cheating 🍀

Submitted

Using an existing project usually gives you a major advantage and goes against the spirit of most game jams, which are meant to challenge you to create something from scratch under the same time limit and constraints as everyone else.

That said, this jam’s rules specifically allow pre‑existing code and licensed assets, as long as you credit anything you didn’t make yourself. So it’s not against the rules here — it’s just something to keep in mind if you want the full “from scratch” jam experience.

The general guideline is: don’t submit an already‑built game or large codebase, but small reusable pieces or assets are fine if the jam allows them. Starting fresh usually gives you the most fun and creative challenge, and if you want to grow as a developer, it’s often the best choice. Let the theme shape your idea, and use small assets to help bring your game to life.

Hope this helps!

Submitted

That's a lot good words. I'll do everything in a spirit of a game jam.

Thanks. 🍀

I agree with it being cheating but I must point out it is technically aloud becuse it says preexisting code and assets are aloud.

Submitted

Cheating is no good, so I'll try making something unique.