THEME

Does it feel like the world is in constant flux? What was true yesterday might not be true today. People, ideas, and even the things we rely on seem to shift unexpectedly. Have you ever played a game where things don't stay the same – where change is the only constant?

Let’s dive into the dynamic realm of change in this game jam! What does it mean for a game to embrace change? Can you create a game where everything transforms before your eyes? How about a game that challenges players to adapt to ever-shifting rules or environments?

The theme of GDS Prague Game Jam 2024 is "EVERYTHING CHANGES".

WHAT?

GDS JAM 2024 is a traditional 48h hackathon in making games organised by Gamedev at Charles University in cooperation with the Game Developers Session. This year's main partner and sponsor is Virtuos Labs Prague, who will have members present at the jam, so you can stop by and chat with them! 

Anybody can sign up and compete for honor and fun. Game jams are here to bring people of various skills keen on game development together; an opportunity to meet new friends, acquire new skills, try out new ideas, and be creative. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned game developer, GDS JAM 2024 is for you. Top three teams will get free access to the Game Developer's Session, where the final winner will be announced!

Our game jams are open to anyone willing to create a video game. We are glad that the atmosphere at our site is friendly and all participants share their experience and help each other to develop a game.  Furthermore, game development lecturers and industry professionals will be available on-site to help you solve your issues during development.

At the end of the jam, all participants will be able to vote for their favourite game from the jam receiving a PEOPLE’S AWARD of GDS JAM 2024!

The jam's limit is extended to 150 participants, so do not hesitate to claim one of the remaining spots! We will do our best, but only the first 100 joined on itch.io will be guaranteed a place at the real-life site, make sure all your team members are here! 

WHERE?

The game jam will be hosted by Gamedev at Charles University at the Malá Strana building on Malostranské náměstí 25, Prague.  We will provide each participant with a comfortable seat for work, internet access, basic kitchen appliances, and some refreshments to enjoy the jam and really focus on the game and collaboration with your friends and colleagues. 

Facilities provided: 

1) Toasters, kettles, pots, dishes and all the elementary kitchen equipment

2) 25 comfortable floating beds (if you take a sleeping bag, it is easy to get some sleep in one of the empty rooms)

3) Showers

4) Working space

WHEN?

All the time-related events are expressed in CET (=Prague time)

Friday 29.11.2024

14:00 - Site is open - We will be glad for any help provided to get things ready

17:30 - Opening speech by organizers

18:00 - JAM THEME announcement

18:00 - JAM STARTS! You have 48 hours to create your game

Saturday 30.11.2024

A full day devoted to game jamming!

12:00 - Screenshot Noon - Send a screenshot of your game to the itch.io forum of this jam

14:00-15:00 - Take a moment and think about the remaining work on your game. Lecturers will regularly cruise the site to help you

Sunday 1.12.2024

12:00 - Screenshot Noon - Send a screenshot of your game to the itch.io forum of the jam

16:00 - Time is running up!

18:00 - Jam ends!

18:00 - Submissions through itch.io are closed (HARD deadline!!!)

18:00 - Voting period starts!

Monday 2.12.2024

23:59 - Deadline for submitting your 1-2min gameplay video to GDS Jam 2024 (add it to your itch.io submission page) and filling out THIS FORM to be eligible to compete for the prizes. 

Wednesday 4.12.2024

17:00 - Announcement of the top three games, whose teams will get free access to Game Developers Conference 2024

Sunday 1.12.2024 - Sunday 8.12.2024

Voting time! All jam submitters + contributors may vote for the The People’s Award of GDS JAM 2024

8.12.2024 18:00 - Voting ENDs!

Friday 13.12.2024

Game Developers Session - Announcing the best game of of GDS JAM 2024!

PRIZES?

Nothing can replace the feeling of creating and experimenting with something new. However, we will still like to give some form of feedback and appreciation for your creations.

All participants will receive a discount code for the GDS Conference 2024

Beyond that, there are several prizes available for participants in two categories:

1. GDS JAM 2024 Best Game Award (as voted by the panel of judges) - top three teams in this category will receive the certificate signed by our jury and Tickets to GDS Conference 2024.  The top team will be announced at the GDS Conference. What will be the main prize will be announced at the opening speech of the jam.

2.  The People’s Award of GDS JAM 2024 (as voted by participants) - will be announced and receive a signed certificate from organisers and more. What will be the prize will be announced at the opening speech of the jam.

VOTING?

All participants who will submit a game or who will be contributors to some submission may vote on the games. Note that you will NOT be able to update your submissions during the voting period to ensure fairness! Although, you can still modify your webpage however you want.

There will be 7 categories for ranking the games:

• Overall impression (PRIMARY CATEGORY)
• Theme (is the game related to the theme?)
• Innovation (is gameplay innovative?)
• Fun (is the game fun to play?)
• Controls (game controls are snappy, easy to play with?)
• Visuals (nice looking game?)
• Music & Sounds (nice audio in the game?)

SIGN UP?

Register itch.io account or login if you have one and click on "Join jam" button above (scroll up).

COMMUNITY?

Facebook Event to share with / invite your friends!

GDS 2024 Discord - there is a dedicated channel for jammers, just pick the Game Jam role! Everybody should join as there can be important announcements!

RULES?

Max team size - 4 jammers; join the jam; submit your game in time to itch.io!

The build must run either on Windows 10+ based computer and/or Android 6.0+ mobile device; if you're targeting WebGL, make sure to make it compatible with at least one of the mentioned devices.

By joining the jame you agree that you have read and will respect our Code of Conduct, Terms & Conditions and Rules.

NOTE THAT AS PART OF THE SUBMISSION, YOU NEED TO FILL OUT THIS FORM BEFORE MONDAY 2.12. (23:59 CET) !!!!  

See you soon!

ORGANISERS

The Gamebadges project is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.