Indie Game Making Contest: Rebirth

Daybloom ProjectSubmitted2 years ago

Welcome back to the most exciting game event in the RPG Maker community! We’re happy to share the following frequently asked questions for information to help you on your epic game making journey. If you have questions in addition to the FAQ’s covered here, please ask them in this thread. For a full list of participation rules click ***here***

FAQ

1. Is there a theme this year?

Yes. Resurrection, rejuvenation and/or rebirth are the themes for this year's IGMC. What do those words mean to you? Try to convey your own interpretation of what resurrection, rejuvenation and/or rebirth mean in game form to the best of your ability. You can focus on resurrection, rejuvenation, or rebirth or any combination of the three.

2. What counts for the "Pre-existing assets that were not created specifically for the contest" clause of rule 1 of the official rules?

This clause is mainly focused on allowing people to use pre-existing assets such as RPG Maker resource packs, Unity Store assets, Unity Frameworks, RPG Maker Plugins, and similar items that are publicly available, for purchase or for free.

It does also include materials that you had made for a previous project, as long as you can prove that it was not made for the IGMC project. An example of proof would be:

A previously released game containing the material.
Old posts (Pre-IGMC Rebirth announcement) on forums/blogs that clearly show that it was made for another project.

Other forms of proof are also possible. If you feel that your piece is borderline, please ask @Nick_Komodo or @Tea

3. Are pre-existing ideas allowed to be used?

Of course. We can't really tell when you had an idea, so there would be no way we could judge this. If you already made a demo using the idea though, it becomes more borderline. In that case:

You can use no assets from the project that do not fall under the pre-existing assets exemption outlined in FAQ question 2.
You can use no programming, or in engine work from your previous version.

In other words, all actual work on the project must be redone from scratch. Even with these caveats, in general, we suggest that you work on a game for which you have never done any engine work, as that will guarantee that your project will not get disqualified for violating this rule.

This clause is mainly focused on allowing people to use pre-existing assets such as RPG Maker resource packs, Unity Store assets, Unity Frameworks, RPG Maker Plugins, and similar items that are publicly available, for purchase or for free.

That means RPG Maker RTPs assets can't use in this game jam right? I just ask for sure but I has planned to make assets for this project.

nonbinarystelle2 years ago(+3)

The clause means that the RTP assets ARE allowed, they're not made specifically for YOUR game. They're made for any game it can be useful for.

Daybloom ProjectSubmitted2 years ago(+1)

Oh okay! Thank you so much!

TeaJam Host2 years ago(+2)

RPG Maker RTP are definitely usable! :D

Daybloom ProjectSubmitted2 years ago

Also I have more question (Maybe last question) sorry!

Did Title for this game jam must or should be new IP or can be a part of ongoing "your" IP?

It can be an existing world/IP of yours.

TeiRavenSubmitted2 years ago(+1)

This may be a daft question, but I'd rather ask it than not: we can make new resources for this jam during the jam, right? Just as long as we didn't clairvoyantly make them for the jam before it was announced and started?

TeaJam Host2 years ago(+1)

Yes, you can make custom resources for the jam.

TeiRavenSubmitted2 years ago(+1)

Wonderful! Thank you for clearing that up! I took it as a given (the only other jam I've done was no premade resources) but realized I'd better make sure before it was too late XD

not_Puffer2 years ago

Hi, is there any judging criteria we should be aware of? Like a good interpretation of the jam's theme will be 45% of total score, graphic will be 25% of total score,... or something similar like that?

Nick_KomodoHost2 years ago(+3)

The criteria for the judges is just a single 1-10 score and won't be broken down based on specific parts of the game.

RPGEmmaB2 years ago(+1)

Hello, are we allowed to use resources that have been purchased at places other than from Komodo in the Degica Shop or via Steam? For example, getting resources from creators via Patreon?

TeaJam Host2 years ago(+1)

Yep ^^ That's covered in rule 8, just be sure that you have the rights required.

LamonadeSubmitted2 years ago(+1)

Regarding this clause. "In other words, all actual work on the project must be redone from scratch. " Can we start a new project by duplicating an old project that already have all the plugins and items all done up? Is that allowed?

PiNeXSubmitted2 years ago

It's generally best to start from a fresh project.

Hi, I want to asking someting

Is the score judged by the images used? I mean scored between RTP images and custom images (include asset from other store too) using.

Daybloom ProjectSubmitted2 years ago

Games tend to be judged by the complete package, and custom graphics can be part of that. But being about how it works as a complete package, generally how things are used are more important than what are used.

DarchanKaen2 years ago (1 edit) (+1)

Hello, some questions:
1) I have RPG Maker MV and MZ - can i use MV RTP assets in MZ for this jam?
2) MV and MZ have free DLC - can i use it?
3) There are no limits for scripts and plugins?
4) Game without words still in rules?

Thx.

TeaJam Host2 years ago

1) Yes
2) Yes
3) No limits
4) If that's what you want to make, by all means, go ahead! :)

ErilexSubmitted2 years ago(+1)

Tea said in a different thread that "No database work can be carried over, such as skills, traits and items."

Does database work in this context include battle animations? (that is, the assembled animations in the database, not the sprite sheets)

TeaJam Host2 years ago (1 edit)

Those cannot be used as that would be work in the engine. All work in the engine for your jam game has to be done from scratch. You can remake them in your jam project though.

same question too

That means all of example databases in engines can't be used right? And you need to remade or made by yourselfm

TeaJam Host2 years ago (2 edits)

In the case of what's already included in the engine, that doesn't constitute work on any participants part since everyone has equal access to it. You're allowed to use the database entries that the engine comes packaged with.

My prior answer was in regards to custom made animation data entries.

TheLastYuriSamuraiSubmitted2 years ago

I feel like I vaguely remember in past years being allowed to make a thread here about our game to show progress/hype each other up. Is that still ok?

Sure, that's fine.

DarchanKaen2 years ago (2 edits)

Next portion of strange questions:

1) Can i release game on another sites, after submit here (before and after jam deadline)?

2) Can i submit more, than one game (cycle, dilogy, prequel/sequel, etc) ?

Camembear Games2 years ago

1. Yep, not a problem.
2. As per the rules:

"Contest participants can be involved in UP TO TWO submissions. This means you could work on a solo project and collaborate with another team, collaborate on two teams, or even submit two solo projects. If a team uses your resources, but you were not directly involved in the development of the game, then it won't count towards the TWO game limit; same with commissions."

IamSilver2 years ago

"Your entry must include the theme of the contest. This theme is Rebirth/Rejuvenation/Resurrection."

Question, does reincarnation counts as rebirth ?

AI SinSubmitted2 years ago (1 edit)

Similar question here. I'm assuming that reincarnation should count as rebirth or resurrection since I'm going to be making a demo project based on that.
In my case, the question would be more akin to "Does swampman count as resurrection?" (Basically swampman is, if a person dies and another person with the exact same features (including memory and personality and form) is created/born at the exact same time, does that person count as the same person?)
Edit: Also see Plueschkatze's question below.

TeaJam Host2 years ago

Yes, I would say reincarnation counts as rebirth.

Hi, I had a question regarding the usage of third party scripts. Is there any restrictions in using them ? I assume I need the rights to use them.

TeaJam Host2 years ago

Provided you have the right to use them and they don't violate any terms, they are allowed.

hr_am2 years ago

About this part "Your entry must include the theme of the contest. This theme is Rebirth/Rejuvenation/Resurrection." does that mean that the game MUST BE about Rebirth/Rejuvenation/Resurrection (story wise or gameplay wise) or just that it needs to include it in some major way?

TeaJam Host2 years ago(+1)

It needs to be incorporated in the game as the theme. In other words, when the judges play your game will they be able to clearly see one of those subjects as the theme of your game?
It may be helpful to read the definition of the word theme:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theme

muramasa2 years ago

Hi.

Can I use mkxp-z? It's a replacement for the RMXP binaries. https://gitlab.com/mkxp-z/mkxp-z

As for why, it has some slight addons for quality of life, such as easy access to scale, fullscreen, and an updated version of Ruby (3.1 instead of 1.8.2).

Thanks!

TeaJam Host2 years ago

Please refer to rule 4, found here: Rules for a full list of acceptable engines. If it's not found on the list then it's prohibited.

muramasa2 years ago

Oh, RM2000 isn't permitted either.

TeaJam Host2 years ago(+1)

That was an oversight, it was added to the list, it's definitely permitted! ^^

RM2k being left off was an oversight on my part.

muramasa2 years ago

Oh then I'm glad I pointed it out xD. >.<)b

Can I submit a prototype first and then update it along the way before the deadline?

TeaJam Host2 years ago

Game pages won't be locked until the submission period is over. However, in my experience people aren't likely to play the same game twice in a jam, so you may want to wait until it's close to done before uploading it for the best community feedback. :)

AliceMisakiSubmitted2 years ago

Cool! Thank you for the info.

Hello, I'm a developer and streamer, my twitch lives are usually about myself drawing maps for my games. I'm wondering if doing lives where i draws maps for the IGMC contest game is forbidden or not, by the contest's rules. Is possible to share my work or will I incur in a disqualification? Thank you!

AI SinSubmitted2 years ago

Not a problem, you can stream your game dev.

Is it okay if we post a link in this forum about our stream if we stream our game dev process?

RogueDeusSubmitted2 years ago

Yep, that is perfectly fine.

FayeSubmitted2 years ago

Hello!

I wanted to use music from this marvelous pack https://rpgmaker.net/resources/396/ (RMN Music Pack II), however, it reads it's available for non-commercial use only. Technically, my game is not commercial. Would using music from this pack in my game break the rules of this jam?

Thanks in advance.

Nick_KomodoHost2 years ago(+2)

We require commercial use only because we don't want an issue over offering the prize money.

To be clear.

- Plugins you've written for other projects yourself, including patches for existing commercially usable plugins, are acceptable?

- But, character art made in the generator and other things like maps and animations, for other non-publicly released projects, are prohibited? (Because they're in-engine made content)

TeaJam Host2 years ago

- As long as your use of said plugins doesn't violate other rules for this jam or the original creators terms of use then they are allowed.

-Ask yourself this question, "Was what I want to use made using an RPG Maker engine before the start date of this jam?" If the answer is yes, then it's prohibited.

AI SinSubmitted2 years ago (1 edit) (+1)

Just to be certain, would art for another game that I've released for public usage be prohibited or does that only apply to non-public?

TeaJam Host2 years ago (1 edit)

That's a very good question!

Assets made for the community that are commercially allowed are allowed for the jam, in this case for those specifically it will be allowed.

If you've made assets and released them to the community for commercial use, you may use them in your jam game.

Ksatria Legacy2 years ago(+1)

I'm confused

Ksatria Legacy2 years ago

For example, I created a new project using rpg maker mv, then I used the chareacter, sound and animation assets that are already available in rpg maker, is that okay?

slimmmeiske2Submitted2 years ago

The default assets are okay to be used.

RogueDeusSubmitted2 years ago

Yeah that kind of stuff is fine.

Thank you.

WyldFire GamesSubmitted2 years ago(+1)

Just curious. Am I allowed to do a sort of spin off of one of my projects that already exists, non commercially that was created last year? It would only use the game world and characters. I would obviously recreate all the maps and change up the story and stuff. And if so, is it possible to use the same title screen design as the already existing project? It’s nothing fancy, just a logo bouncing up and down with a cool background.

Enigma2 years ago

Omg! I just typed something similar to this and didn't even realize someone else asked it 8 hours ago lol.

TeaJam Host2 years ago(+1)

You can use the same IP as previous projects. The Jam game cannot be started before the start date of the submission period, meaning you can't use any work you did in the engine before that period, but you can use assets you already made or used previously.

Enigma2 years ago

Hello! I have a question.

Could I use this game jam as a way to develop an idea for my game?

Of course I don't mean I would be submitting my current game as I know that would break the rules. I mean more like start a new game project and come up with a story that fits the jams theme. If I like the idea and story I make, I might fit it in to my actual game that I am working on.

This means I would use 2 pre-existing characters I made, however the story and mechanics would be new for this jam and development of the actual project would begin once I confirm its ok.

TeaJam Host2 years ago

Enigma2 years ago

Perfect! Thank you for the reply. :D

Annwfn2 years ago(+1)

Maybe a dumb question: how do I have to prove the project was started by that date and not previously? Just because the files say they have been created at that specific date? o.O

TeaJam Host2 years ago

Unless it comes under question the assumption is that you're following the rules. Also, the game project folder has a creation date, makes sure that's not prior to the submission period.

Annwfn2 years ago

I know that, but it can be cheated with changing the date, even from BIOS settings and copy - pasting the project :D So date won't have much relevance to me XD GL ahead, won't make it in this one though. Huggies to all of you! >:D<

Another question

Can I join another jam with the game I'm making right now? There's another jam that interestingly uses the theme I'm using for my IGMC entry. But I wanted to be sure if it's ok.

TeaJam Host2 years ago

Yes, absolutely :D

scxbillSubmitted2 years ago

Thank you for the response!

Can I create a contest theme in my unfinished game and enter the contest?

TeaJam Host2 years ago

You have to start with a new game project for the contest. You can use characters and assets from a previous made game project, but not work done in the engine itself.

haon92 years ago

Does it need to be a finished game? As I recall, in the previous IGMC, submitting a "demo" of a potentially longer game was allowed, if not encouraged.

As long as it meets the time requirements, this is fine.

BearNovels2 years ago (1 edit)

Regarding rule nr14: “No 18+ Content: This includes strong sexual themes and content, graphic nudity, or extreme portrayals of violence. If you're unsure, please follow ESRB guidelines:”.

It’s a bit vauge since ESRB can be rated at different levels: Everyone, Everyone10+, Teen, Mature17+, Adults Only18+.

I understand that the last one is out of the question but where do you draw the line?

WyldFire GamesSubmitted2 years ago

As long as it wouldn't land in Adults Only 18+ you are fine.

BearNovels2 years ago

Oh, so even “Mature17+“ games would be considered then? That’s a pleasant surprise since that’d mean anything short of a p0rn game would be accepted?

Just to be clear, the rating below “Adult Only18+” would be ”Mature17+” and this is what the ESRB site says about that: ” Mature17+ Content is generally suitable for ages 17 and up. May contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language.”

I know the RMW forum usually tries to keep things PG13 which is why I’m double checking as ”Mature17+” would be a few steps about that.

thanks for the quick replies by the way.

I am not a judge or admin of this jam but the rules do say that "strong sexual themes and content, graphic nudity, or extreme portrayals of violence" are not allowed. So even though the ESRB guidelines are what to be used, I do believe you need to follow them according to the rules of the jam. I think even if the ESRB guidelines for Mature17+ state that sexual content and intense violence is okay, the jam rules still say otherwise. So I'm fairly certain you'll want to go a step down from Mature 17 to be safe.

FayeSubmitted2 years ago

Why would you make a porn game for an IGMC jam anyways?

BearNovels2 years ago

Right, that’s what I thought and why I asked. It seemed to contradict the rules.

The step below Mature17+ though is Teen, which allows for some ”crude humor, suggestive themes” but it also states ”minimal blood”. I’ve never seen anyone on rmw have any problem with bloody/gory horror games so I can only assume that part is okay.
Usually when people get offended by a gme, it’s because of sexual content, extreme language or a sensitive theme (religion, abuse, etc). So maybe safer to stick to the Teen rating im regards to those elements.

SeraphCircleSubmitted2 years ago

Calunio's games rule BTW. Kind of off-topic but it's a great example of creatively justified high ratings! Beautiful Escape: Dungeoneer is probably 17+. Polymorphous Perversity on the other hand

FayeSubmitted2 years ago

I think this would be my last question.

If, say, the game revolves around restoring the protagonist's house which got destroyed by fire, that counts as "Rejuvenation", am I right here?

Ramose TsimbinaSubmitted2 years ago

Sure

Hello there folks! The game must be totally free or can we add the option donation when peoples will download it?

TeaJam Host2 years ago

The donate option can be activated, but the game must be able to be downloaded free.

Ramose TsimbinaSubmitted2 years ago

Ok ok ok :)

Mister Jay the Game MakerSubmitted2 years ago

Will the judges consider a game made by an RPG Maker game that is multiplayer? There are many things that can be done with it that are not within the traditional intended applications.

TeaJam Host2 years ago

There's no rule against it, but it will be judged by one person at a time, so the multiplayer aspects may be lost to the judges.

Mister Jay the Game MakerSubmitted2 years ago (1 edit)

Thanks Tea. They can see the concept of the multi-player aspect, as a single player. That's one reason why I always make 2 entrees for IGMC.

Aesica2 years ago

Hi, so quick question about the “no previous database work” part. The default database can be used I assume, but what if I replaced my default database with another one that’s more tailored to the type of projects I typically make. In particular, one with better effect animations (MZ’s default fire animations especially are nothing short of awful).

I’d obviously build all the meaningful stuff (items, equips, states, skills, characters, classes, enemies, troops) from the ground up.

Mister Jay the Game MakerSubmitted2 years ago

I think starting with a different default database is fine.

According to Rule 17, the judged game must be able to run on Windows. Does it matter if it is boxed using Enigma Virtual Box?

As long as it can be played on a Windows PC, that is fine.

scitydreamerSubmitted2 years ago(+1)

Weird question with regards to the copyright rule. I realized that I named a skill after a pre-existing song (Brightest Morning Star). Does that break the copyright rule and do I have to change it all Jojo localization style?

I think this will be fine.

harkenwebSubmitted2 years ago (1 edit)

The competition says it runs till August 4th but the countdown timer shows the submission windows closes on August 5th 2022 at 4:59 AM.

Will my submission still be accepted if I upload and submit it on August 5th before 4:59AM UTC

I only ask as I know for a fact I'll be submitting things at the last second :) which isn't the wisest but I joined this competition late!

Grimmy NocturneSubmitted2 years ago

The countdown timer is correct. It automatically adjusts to your time zone. It ends at midnight Eastern US time.

Should games be unencrypted? I had posted my game encrypted but now I am not sure if that is allowed.

Encrypted is fine.

yoga56312 years ago

i see there is a people choice award, i have a question, how do you choose the winner? is there a vote or based on how many comment the project has?

harkenwebSubmitted2 years ago

There will be voting.

Never submitted to a game Jam before, but are we allowed to edit the game page after we've submitted?
I assume only the game files aren't allowed to be changed in any way after the deadline, but the game page can?

Also, when we credit plugin/asset creators per the terms of their licence, will this need to be a credit in the game or can we just list their names on the game page?

I hope that makes sense.

ZulfikriSubmitted2 years ago (2 edits)

Want to ask about urgent critical updates for bugs. How can upload a critical update for this game jam, because the time ends up, and if I can't update, this game can be stuck, bug, and freeze. Please someone can help me?

I just need given one chance to update my game. Is it still possible?

ZulfikriSubmitted2 years ago

Once time ended you can no longer update your game until after judging. You should always give yourself enough time to polish at the end. Unfortunately, it would be unfair to give just one person a chance to update their game. There has to be a hard cutoff somewhere, and that was 38 minutes ago

Okay, thanks nick, Very grateful this bug just only make an impact in half of the playtime game, judges still can vote my game with the play until half hour for my game.

Rivios GamesSubmitted2 years ago

I've got the same issue, because of uploading issues the wrong game version was uploaded (in rush), due to this about 80% of the game is going to be missing. :( In order to make it fair there'd have to be a global extension, but I don't suppose that'll happen unless enough people had this problem?

IamSilver2 years ago (2 edits)

I just noticed that I committed the same mistake.

Even worse, I deleted the game build before noticing I cannot upload and updates. T.T

TheLastYuriSamuraiSubmitted2 years ago

So. Just had a panic moment. I figured since browser playable was playable for windows/Mac, it would suffice for the contest. Will I be disqualified on a technicality?