Q: What is the theme for this jam?
A: The theme will be announced on the jam page and on Discord when the jam begins.
Q: Do I need to combine the announced theme with Halloween?
A: Since this is our special Halloween Edition, we'd love everyone to incorporate both the announced theme and a touch of Halloween into their game. You can focus primarily on the announced theme, but we'd like to see some recognizable connection to Halloween as well. It doesn't have to dominate your game or rely on traditional Halloween clichés.
Remember that Halloween / Theme is one of our judging categories!
Q: Is horror required for this Halloween Jam?
A: No, absolutely not! Your game can be horror, but it can also be funny, thrilling, mysterious, magical, cozy, or a mix of different styles! Halloween is much broader than just horror. Think spooky atmospheres, mysterious settings, folklore, trick-or-treating, playful monsters, or even a charming adventure with a Halloween twist.
You don't need traditional Halloween elements like ghosts, pumpkins, or monsters either. Feel free to interpret Halloween creatively! 🎃
Q: Who can vote?
A: In our game jams, voting is restricted to submitters only. Voting is restricted to participants who submitted a game to the jam. This decision was made after some teams in previous jams downvoted all competing entries. Team members are still welcome and encouraged to leave comments of course.
Q: Who can participate?
A: Anyone! All experience levels are welcome, and you can work solo or in a team (recommended max 4 members).
Q: Can I participate in multiple teams?
A: Yes, you can help multiple teams with specific contributions, such as music, sound effects, or artwork, as long as you're properly credited. However, you can only be the official submitter for one game. You may not vote on any game you've contributed to, to keep things fair for everyone!
Q: Can I use any game engine?
A: Yes! You can use any engine or framework, such as Unity, Godot, Unreal, GameMaker, etc. Just ensure your game fits the jam’s rules and theme.
Q: Can I submit multiple games?
A: No. For this Halloween Jam, each participant or team may submit one entry. Because this jam runs across one weekend, we want participants to focus on making one small, finished game and on playing and giving useful feedback to others.
Q: Are AI tools allowed?
A: Yes. You may use AI tools to assist with coding and asset creation, such as art, music, or sound effects. However, you should remain meaningfully involved and in control of the development of your game. You should still be making the important creative, design, and development decisions, while actively directing, reviewing, testing, and shaping the results.
AI-generated content should be used thoughtfully and ethically, and must respect copyright and licensing rules. AI should help you realize your game, not effectively decide or create the game for you.
Please also be transparent about your AI use. Use itch.io's AI disclosure options where applicable, briefly mention how AI was used on your project page, and answer any AI-related questions in the submission form honestly.
Q: What about music, fonts, and assets?
A: You can use royalty-free music and audio assets you own, with proper credits and licenses. Make sure all assets adhere to copyright and licensing rules. You may use assets you already own, such as those from the Unity Asset Store or Unreal Marketplace. Ensure that all assets are properly licensed and that you have permission to use them. Avoid infringing on copyrights or trademarks.
Assets purchased from established asset stores, such as the Unity Asset Store or Unreal Marketplace, usually include a license that allows them to be used in games. However, you are still responsible for checking the license of the specific asset and making sure your use complies with its terms.
Q: Can I edit my game files after the deadline?
A: No. Game file edits and uploads are locked after the deadline. You can still update your project page with text, screenshots, images, instructions, and other additional information.
Q: Does my game have to be a certain format?
A: No. Browser builds are recommended if you want more players and ratings, because many people prefer not to download files during a jam. Downloadable builds are also allowed. If possible, at least make sure a Windows version is available.
Q: Can I submit a game that I already started on?
A: No. Your submitted game should be made during the jam period. You may use existing tools, templates, assets, plugins, snippets, workflows or libraries if you have the right license and credit them where needed, but the actual submitted game should be created during the jam.
Q: What are the rating categories?
A: Games will be rated on Gameplay / Fun / Engagement, Art Style / Visuals, Audio / Sound Design, and Halloween / Theme, with a special Feedback jury category for participants who provide thoughtful feedback on others’ games.
Q: How many ratings do I need to be eligible for prizes?
A: Each game currently needs at least 10 ratings to qualify for prizes. Playing, commenting and rating other games will help increase your own game's visibility and chances of receiving ratings. The minimum rating requirement may be adjusted based on the number of participants and submissions.
Q: How does the judging work?
A: In addition to community ratings, a jury panel will review games to award their favorite entries. The Feedback Award is selected manually and is awarded to the participant who gives the most helpful, detailed and constructive feedback on other entries.
Q: Is there a place to connect with other participants?
A: Yes! Join our Discord Server to chat, brainstorm, and share ideas with the community.
Q: Can I submit my game to other jams?
A: No. Games submitted to this Halloween Jam may not be submitted to other game jams during the same jam period.
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: Feel free to reach out in the Discord, and we’ll be happy to help!