I believe games are an excellent way to explore complex or taboo topics, but many fear retaliation for this. This jam is your chance to really explore your creativity in an artistic and safe way.

What does "Dead Dove: Do Not Eat" mean?

"Dead Dove: Do Not Eat is a warning or tag used to indicate that a fanwork contains tropes or elements that may be deemed morally reprehensible without explicitly condemning the sensitive aspects."

In this case, we're extending the meaning to include original works, as well. Basically, you can explore a topic like abuse or war or death or a/b/o without necessarily including a look at the camera and "This is bad, kids." It's important to note that a lot of dead dove works have been made by women and queer people, so I hope we see a fair share of those as participants.

It doesn’t have to be a serious game, though!  Plenty of dead doves are just plain weird shit. Like having a romance with an object (or being turned into one). Those are my personal favorites. I think the world needs more weird games. 

But, this is not a free-for-all. Hateful content directed at anyone is unwelcome here. So, for example, you can make a game that explores the life of an abuse victim and they can even love their abuser, but you cannot make a game where you beat up an abuse victim for fun. The goal of this jam is creativity, not harm.

This Jam is unranked. Not really a contest so much as a creative challenge. You've got the entire month of April to make and submit your works. Spring cleaning for your filthy mind! You can work on a team, or solo. It's really up to you.

Rules:

- Tag your controversial content. It’s a dead dove. Tell people not to eat it.

- Entrants should be 18+.Just for the safety of everyone involved.

- Nothing hateful. Games have explored hatred enough already. Be more creative. 

- Nothing illegal. Obviously.

- Nothing that violates any of itch's rules.

- Any engine or medium is fine, just make sure it’s playable/viewable in-browser. 

- No generative AI. This is about human creativity.

That's it, really. Time to stretch those creative muscles!