This is a relaxed, beginner friendly jam with the goal of making a game in the spirit of a classic video game. You can extend the game, improve it or transform it into something completely new and unexpected.
All games must be made using DragonRuby Game Toolkit. Free, full licenses have been generously provided. You can claim your copy of DragonRuby here http://classicsjam.dragonruby.org. This offer will be available for the first two weeks of the jam.
Theme: Gauntlet
The classic game chosen for this jam is Gauntlet! We made a sample game that you can use as a starting point (or you can start from scratch if you prefer). We want you to use Gauntlet as your inspiration rather than simply clone the game. How far you go with it is entirely up to you, as long as it has something of the spirit of the original game.
Sample Game
DragonRuby creator Amir Rajan made a very simple sample game that boils Gauntlet down to its essentials. You can use this sample to get started with your own Gauntlet inspired game.
To use the sample:
- Download DragonRuby Game Toolkit from http://classicsjam.dragonruby.org.
- Unzip the file and look inside for this folder: samples/99_genre_dungeon_crawl/classics_jam
- Copy the contents of the classics_jam folder into the mygame folder, letting it overwrite any files that are already there
- Run the DragonRuby executable file (DragonRuby on Mac/Linux, DragonRuby.exe on Windows) to launch the game
- Look in the mygame/app folder and open the file main.rb in a text editor or code editor (such as Visual Studio Code)
- Change the code and save the file to see changes in the running game
- For help with DragonRuby and Ruby code, visit the DragonRuby Discord: http://discord.dragonruby.org
Resources
- The Wikipedia entry for the original Gauntlet game: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gauntlet_(1985_video_game).
- For news and updates about the jam, follow @Groteskly on Twitter.
- A video showing Gauntlet gameplay:
Timeline
The jam runs for 3 weeks with an extra weekend thrown in for good measure.
- May 8 (1 week before the jam starts): DragonRuby licenses will be available to allow you get familiar with the engine.
- May 15 - June 6: The official Jam. Make and submit your game(s) during this time.
- June 6 - June 13: Play each other's games and give constructive feedback.
Rules
- Be kind to each other. Please be respectful and tolerant towards all other participants.
- Don't include any assets (e.g. images and sounds) that you do not have a legal right to use.
- Games must be developed with DragonRuby Game Toolkit.
About DragonRuby
DragonRuby is a 2D game engine that’s super easy to get to grips with but powerful enough to make professional strength games. It uses the Ruby programming language and it can build games for Windows, Mac, Linux, consoles and phones!
FAQ
Q: Can my game be NSFW?
A: This jam is open to people of all ages. Please do not include pornographic images or scenes of extreme violence in the preview for your game or the game's page. If your game includes themes that are not appropriate for all audiences, please make sure that it is clearly and strongly signalled.
Q: Can I use images and sounds from Gauntlet to make my game?
A: Absolutely not. Unless you hold the copyright to the game (and you probably don’t), you cannot use them. Games that break this rule will be removed from the submissions.
Q: Can I use image and sound assets I found on the internet?
A: If you have a legal right to use them (for example, if you legally purchased the assets or the author has licensed them for free use). Please do not assume that assets are free to use. If in doubt, check with the author. Depending on the license type, you may also need to credit the author.
Q: Can I work with a team?
A: Yes!
Q: I don't like coding but I'm good with graphics, sound, writing or some other valuable skill. Can I join?
A: Absolutely. Come to the Discord and ask if anyone wants to team up. The same goes for coders who want to team up with other creative types.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of games I can submit?
A: No. You can submit as many games as you like.
Q: I started/finished my game before the jam started. Can I submit it?
A: Yes! As long as it matches the theme and is made in DragonRuby you're welcome to submit it.
Q: What if I've never made a game before?
A: This is a beginner-friendly jam. The sample game is designed to be used as an easy starting point for everyone, regardless of their experience.
This jam is organised by members of the DragonRuby community.
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