Submissions open from 2025-01-01 17:00:00 to 2025-01-17 17:00:00
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✏️ Welcome to the very first Back to School Jam! ✏️

Back to School Jam is a 2-week jam with a focus on educational games. This is a ranked jam–judged by actual teachers–taking place over winter break.


This jam’s theme is HISTORY 🌍️✍

Games should educate players on a historical event, person, or period. Games should be informative but also fun, so be sure to find that balance!


  • You have about 2 weeks to create an educational game with a focus on history. For inspiration, check out The Oregon Trail. Get creative!
  • Games can be made in any engine you’d like. 
  • Submissions must be uploaded as a WebGL build so they are playable in-browser.


  • Games must be educational and usable in a classroom setting. 👩🏻‍🏫 (K-12 or college level are OK)
  • Your game must be playable in-browser as a web build. 🌐
  • No AI. ❌
  • No NSFW content. ❌
  • Absolutely no hate speech. Your submission will be removed.


Optional Challenges

  • Color Palette: make a game using the following color palette

  • Leaderboard: implement a leaderboard to encourage players to compete for the high score
  • Multiple Endings: create a game with multiple outcomes to increase replayability


This jam is ranked and will be judged by your jam host (me) and my good friend and secondary education teacher, Raiven, based on the following criteria:

  • Educational Value: is the game educational?
  • Gameplay: is the game fun? Is there a balance between education and enjoyment?
  • Art & Graphics: is this game visually appealing? 
  • Audio Design: do the soundtrack and sound design enhance the gameplay experience?
  • Replayability: remember, this game should work in a classroom setting. Does your game encourage players to come back for more?
  • Originality: does the game implement a unique core mechanic?


TBD


  • What kind of game can I make?

Any game you want! As long as it abides by the rules, you can make any type of game. Want to make a fast-paced interactive quiz game like Kahoot? Go for it! Want to make a choose-your-own-adventure style game that adheres to the theme? Let’s do it! 

  • Can I work with a team?

Absolutely! Feel free to join the Discord server to connect with other Back to School jammers. You can jam solo or work with as many people as you’d like.

  • Which engine should I use?

Whichever engine you’d like! No limitations here.

Join the Discord