We're back again for the second year running with the 2021 One Page RPG Jam! This jam is about making new, one-page table-top role-playing games. Entire systems and settings on single sheets of paper. Rules lite by necessity, one-page RPGs are easy to pick up and learn, but that doesn't mean there can't be emergent complexity or that they can't result in excellent games. Restriction breeds creativity, the only limit is the imagination of the designers and the players.

COMMUNITY

This year the jam has a Discord server, to help everyone come together to discuss their games, ask questions about the jam, and find out more about one-page RPGs. The server is open to everyone interested in TTRPGs in general and one-page RPGs specifically, even if you're not sure you'll be submitting to the jam.

You can also follow the jam on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Be sure to share your submissions with the social media accounts. Also remember to use the hashtag #1pRPGjam

There is also the One Page RPG subreddit with lots more information on, and examples of, one-page RPGs, so check out /r/onepagerpgs. Be sure to post your submissions there too.

RESOURCES

Visit the Community tab for a list of some resources for making TTRPGs (and feel free to comment and share your own) as well as some popular one-page RPGs to hack. For more examples of one-page RPGs, check out the submissions to last year's One-Page RPG Jam and get inspired.

RULES

1. Submissions must be a fully playable RPG system on a single page. (Back pages and separate character sheets are allowed.)
   
2. Submissions must be made during the jam period specifically for the jam. No old games reposted. 
3. Hacks of other systems are fine (Laser and Feelings, and Honey Heist are popular examples). Make sure to credit where necessary.
4. Multiple submissions are encouraged, so long as they are unique and not just reskins of the same game.
5. Games can be released as free, PWYW, or with a price tag. If you're charging for the game, please send me a copy so I can review for content which breaks the rules, and consider adding community copies.
   
6. Label explicit or graphic content. Consider using or referencing safety tools, such as the X card.
7. No hate speech or bigotry. Nothing that breaks itch.io ToS or local law. Be cool.

Optional Jam Theme

This year’s optional theme, as decided by the community, is…

What does ‘Borders’ mean to your game? Are players crossing a border, or defending it? Is it a physical border, or a metaphorical one? Is it a border between places, people, time, or ideas? Or perhaps the entire game takes place in the liminal space between two opposing states? 

The aim of the theme is to provide direction or inspiration to anyone staring at a blank page (quite literally possible in this jam), not to shackle people to a single idea. If the theme does nothing for you, or you have a totally different idea, feel free to ignore it.

Banner image using assets from Freepik.com