Rules and Information

What is a Game Jam?

A Game Jam is an event where participants attempt to create a brand-new game over the weekend, based on a given theme.

Amber Waves of Games hosts a game jam at least once every three months on Discord. Examples of jams hosted include Ludum Dare, Global Game Jam, GameJam+, and our own Amber Jam. (That's this one!)

The Golden Rule

The point of any Game Jam is not to make the best game. The only important things are to have fun, and to learn something new!

General Rules

While each Game Jam may have its own specific ruleset, these rules apply to all events hosted on our Discord.

You may use any existing code, art, or other assets that you have already created, though the majority of the work should be created during the event!

You may use 3rd party art or assets that are publicly available for free, but you must provide the source of the content with your submission.

You may use game-making “games”! We currently accept submissions created using the following:

Game Builder Garage (Nintendo Switch) Mario Maker 2 (Nintendo Switch) Dreams (PS5/PS4) Little Big Planet 3 (PS4/PS3) Tabletop Simulator (PC/macOS)

Though you may not be able to submit these games/levels to official jam pages, they will still be showcased on the official website!

Gameplay footage will be provided even if you’re unable to capture it yourself!

Interpretation of the events themes are subjective. They are food for thought, and whatever it means to you is a valid basis for your game.

Participation Rules

Everyone is invited to participate, whether you’re located in the Midwest or not! You must register on both Discord, and the current Jams official site. (See top of page!)

You may work in a team, or as an individual. You may even show up as an individual and find teammates there!

You will be able to choose your level of participation before the jam begins.

If you would like to participate in a more flexible manner, whether you’re new to jamming or prefer a more laid back experience, you will be able to claim the role of a Flexxer. This tells your teammates that you’re willing to work, but shouldn't be relied on for essential components of the game. The Jammer role is for your standard jamming experience.

You may work with multiple groups, so long as you’ve chosen the flex role as a participant. This is recommended to those who compose music, for example, who may be finished with their contribution to a single project on the first day.

If someone on your team is working on multiple games, you may only use the work they’ve specified for use in your submission.

Communications

These events are digital, but are intended to feel as much like the event is taking place in a public space as possible. This is for the benefit of those who live far from active live gatherings, and those for whom it is unsafe to do so.

All communications related to participation in the event should take place within the server. Exceptions will be made for teams jamming together in person and individuals, who should still post occasional updates to show activity. This rule isn’t enforced, but it does create a welcoming environment for new participants!

Each team will be provided completely private voice channel, and a semi-private text channel. The text channels will be visible by all participants, but only teammates can communicate with them. There will be public channels for mingling and individual participants.