🌌 Welcome to the Spooky Night Jam! 🌌 In this game jam, creators are invited to explore the eerie world of Spooky Night, where ordinary places turn sinister under the shroud of darkness. Whether it's an abandoned house on the edge of town, a misty forest path, or a haunted mansion on a hill, the night transforms these places into landscapes of fear and mystery. 🎃💀

Let your imagination wander into the shadows and uncover the secrets hidden within the night. Bring us stories of survival, exploration, and terror that unfold under the chilling glow of the moonlight! 🌕

📅 Jam Schedule

• Jam Start: 10th November 2024
• Jam End: 17th November 2024]
• Voting Period: 17th November 2024 - 20th November 2024

The jam begins soon, so gather your ideas and prepare for a journey into the unknown!

🌑 Theme: Spooky Night

This theme invites you to explore the haunting allure of Spooky Night! Your game should evoke the creeping dread and tension that darkness brings. Consider:

• Nighttime Terrors: The game should take place after dark, where once-familiar environments become unsettling.
• Survival & Exploration: Players should feel like they’re navigating a world where safety is uncertain, and unknown dangers lurk.
• Psychological or Supernatural Horror: Introduce haunted locations, supernatural beings, or eerie events that escalate as the night goes on.

Guidelines: The “Spooky Night” theme is broad, allowing for interpretations ranging from subtle psychological horror to direct supernatural threats. How you choose to embody this theme is up to you! Just be sure your game brings players into the atmospheric dread of a night that feels alive with mystery and danger. 🕯️

🎃 Rules

1. Theme Focus: Your game should clearly incorporate the Spooky Night theme.
2. Original Content: All major content should be created during the jam. Free assets are allowed but must be credited, and original assets are encouraged! 🖌️
3. Team or Solo: Work alone or as part of a team—whatever inspires you the most. 👥
4. Supported Platforms: Your game must be playable on Web, Windows, Mac, or Linux.
5. Submission: Only one submission per participant/team. Edits and revisions are allowed until the deadline. 🚀

👻 Optional Twist: "The Witching Hour Challenge" 🕰️🌑

For those looking to push their creativity further, include a “Witching Hour” mechanic in your game!

What’s the Challenge? As the night wears on, introduce gameplay changes, escalating scares, or mysterious occurrences that increase the tension. Think of it as a midnight crescendo where the danger and horror reach their peak.

Participants who take on this challenge will receive special recognition on the jam page and in the Discord server! 🌟🏅

Note: You must say you took on the challenge.

🎨 Ideas for Inspiration

• The Haunted Familiar: Create a game where an ordinary place (a park, neighborhood, school) becomes haunted after dark.
• Survival Horror: Place players in an eerie forest, abandoned building, or forgotten town where they must survive the night.
• Psychological Mystery: Develop a storyline where players unravel memories or supernatural secrets as they navigate a creepy location.
• The Unseen Presence: Use sound, shadows, and subtle movements to imply something is lurking just out of view.
• Nighttime Explorations: Let players experience the dread of exploring a dark and unfamiliar environment where every sound is amplified, and every shadow seems alive.

📝 Submission Guidelines

• Game Summary: Write a brief description (100 words or fewer) describing your game and its connection to the theme.
• Spooky Elements: Describe any horror mechanics, story elements, or environmental details that help bring the night to life.
• Playable Version: Ensure your game is playable (Web builds are preferred, but PC/Mac downloads are accepted).
• Deadline: Submit your game by 17th November 2024.

🏆 Judging Criteria

After the jam, games will be rated on the following:

• Theme Relevance (Spooky Night): How well the game immerses players in the feeling of nighttime horror.
• Atmosphere & Tension: Is the game able to create an eerie and unsettling atmosphere?
• Innovation: Are the horror mechanics or story elements fresh and engaging?
• Visual & Audio Presentation: Are the aesthetics and sound design immersive and creepy?
• Optional Twist: Special recognition for games that successfully incorporate the Witching Hour Challenge! 🏅

🎖️ Prizes & Recognition

This jam is all about creativity and community, but top entries will receive:

• 🎖️ Feature Spot: Top 3 games will be highlighted on the jam page.
• 🌟 Special Mentions: Awards for the best atmosphere, most creative use of nighttime horror, and most unique storyline.
• 🏅 Discord Shoutout: Winners will receive special recognition in the Discord server.

💬 Community and Support

• Join the Community: Connect with fellow creators, share progress, and get feedback on https://discord.gg/mRVCFH6e.
• Share Your Journey: Use the hashtag #SpookyNightJam to share your progress and connect with others on social media.

❓ FAQ

Can I use any game engine? Absolutely! Feel free to use any engine or tools that best suit your project.

Can I work in a team? Yes, solo and team projects are both welcome!

What if I don’t finish in time? Submit what you have! Even an incomplete game can showcase your vision and creativity.

What if I’m new to horror game development? No worries! This jam is about experimenting, learning, and exploring the genre. We’re excited to see your ideas!

Get ready to embrace the fear of the Spooky Night Jam and lead players through a night they won’t forget! 🌌🕯️