What is programmer art?

Programmer art is a term commonly used to describe the artwork created by coders who are not artists. Often it's referred to placeholder graphics, until the artist of a team replaces it with the final assets, but sometimes it's also used as a derogative term for bad or mediocre artwork.

Why should we celebrate it?

In a way, there's something charming about programmer art, because it has this amateurish look and since we're all devs, we can probably all relate to it in some way. So why not create a jam around it?

What are the rules?

There is only one rule: All the assets (graphics, sound etc) have to be created BY YOURSELF, DURING THE JAM. No external assets allowed!

Wait, sound too? I might be able to draw something, but I have zero experience with sound and music!

Well, it's all about being creative! How about recording some sound effects with a microphone? Or firing up some web-based music production tool to take your first steps in creating a simple beat/loop? Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect at all!

So this jam is about deliberately crappy games then?

No, it isn't. It's about programmer art. You should definitely try to create a fun game that is fun to play! However, the game's presentation should resemble (or consist of actual) programmer art.

My artwork isn't that bad actually. So I'm out then?

If you're a skilled artist, you're still allowed to join the jam. However, in that case you have to turn things around a bit. This is not the jam to show off your skills, instead try to mimic your own style from years ago when you just started out. Or come up with a fantasy "programmer art" style. Just make sure it fits the jam!

So that's really the only rule?

Yes! You're allowed to use any kind of programming language, engine, library, tools etc. You can also choose any topic/theme for your game you like. If you need inspiration, use the community page to discuss or suggest interesting topics beforehand.

The jam will last one week (13th - 19th July 2020), after that, submissions can be voted publicly until 23rd July (midnight CEST)