Submissions open from 2025-01-01 00:00:00 to 2025-02-28 23:59:59
Submissions due in
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Going into the new year, we think it's worth taking a look back at your past games, tools and projects. Taking a look at the feedback from those who played played them. Returning to the original scope you imagined and digging up those ideas that never made it in.

You have 2 months to bring back a GBA game you've made in the past and release an update for it.

We also want to encourage anyone who joins this jam to create an itch devlog on your game page to let us know what was added. It could be anything. Maybe you want to fix a crash you found later on, you could add some more levels, or perhaps you want to turn a prototype into a full game.

Rules

  1. Your submission must include a .gba file! You can also attach screenshots, readmes, game manuals, etc.
  2. It should run on real hardware or an accurate emulator such as mGBA or NanoBoyAdvance.
  3. Ports from other platforms are allowed, emulated games are not.
  4. Only use code and assets that you have explicit permission to use, giving appropriate credit.
  5. No NSFW or offensive content.
  6. No entirely new games allowed, however sequels and ports are permitted. 

F.A.Q.

Can I work in a team?
   Of course, now's a great time to get those old teams back together. Or even create a new team to improve your previously solo project.

Will there be judging or prizes?
   No, this jam is just for fun and self-improvement.

Can I submit an update for a game from a previous game jam?
   Yes, in fact if you submitted a game to the the last Winter Jam then maybe you might even want to expand that title screen into a full game.

Does the game have to be one from a previous GBA Jam?
   No, your game CAN be one from any of the previous GBA Jams, but it doesn't have to be.

Can I enter multiple games?
   Yes, if you have multiple projects you want to update then you can enter as many times as you want. (One entry per game).

Can I enter something I was already working on?
   Yes! That's the whole idea, even if you've been working on updating your game before this jam started now's your chance to get that update finished.

I was working on a game for a previous jam, but I didn't finish it. If I now go back and finish making that game, can I submit it to this jam?
   Yes, this is within the spirit of the jam. If you were working on a game for a previous jam but couldn't finish in time then you're allowed to finish it off for this jam.

Can I make a new game for this jam?
   For this jam we really want you to focus on improving what you already have so no brand new games allowed. An exception is made for sequels, you may create a new game based on the concepts and ideas of an existing one. You'll just need to link back to the original when submitting to this jam.

Can I port my game to GBA for this jam?
   Absolutely! If your port is released as a separate page to the original game then you'll need to link back to the original when submitting to this jam.

The original version of my game was never on itch.io, can I still submit an updated version to this jam?
  Yes, the original version of your game doesn't need to have been uploaded as a part of any of our past game jams, if this is the case you'll just need to link back to the original release site or repository when submitting to this jam.