Welcome to the Living World Jam! This game jam invites modders, designers, and creators to dive into the worlds of *Ocarina of Time* and *Majora’s Mask* to build immersive, dynamic, and memorable experiences. Our theme, "Living World," encourages you to reimagine these beloved game worlds and make them feel even more alive. Whether you're adding new environments, engaging NPCs, custom interactions, or entirely fresh narratives, your goal is to make the world feel as if it's teeming with life, ready to interact with the player in meaningful ways.
Theme: "Living World"
How would you make Hyrule or Termina feel like a world truly alive? A place where NPCs interact with each other, environments respond to the player, or time passes in unexpected ways? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Dynamic NPCs: Create unique characters with distinct schedules, conversations, and interactions that feel dynamic and real.
Environmental Interactions: Introduce nature that responds to player actions, seasonal changes, or magical events that shape the world.
Unique Mechanics: Add original gameplay mechanics that make the player feel part of a changing, reactive world.
Rules and Requirements
Use of *Ocarina of Time* or *Majora's Mask* Engine: All entries must be created using the *Ocarina of Time* or *Majora’s Mask* game engines.
Original Work: Submissions should be original creations or modifications within these game engines. Entries should not infringe on existing mods unless permitted by their creators.
Respect the Theme: Your project should creatively interpret the theme, “Living World.” Feel free to interpret it in your unique way, but ensure the theme is central to your design.
1. No Traditional Dungeons Required
There does not need to be a main dungeon, but if you wish to have one, go ahead. The main point of the Romhack must tell a story.
2. At Least 5 NPCs
Populate your world with a minimum of 5 unique NPCs who help bring the theme of “Living World” to life through dialogue, interactions, or unique behaviors.
3. 5 Custom Assets Minimum**
Include at least 5 custom assets—these could be new textures, models, animations, or sounds—to give your world a unique feel and make it more memorable.
4. Minimize Loading Doors
To keep the world feeling open and alive, limit loading doors where possible. If needed, use them sparingly to maintain immersion in the “Living World” theme. (For game reasons, a shop will not count as a loading door on this sense)
Submission Guidelines
Format: Submit a playable ROM or compatible patch, so judges and players can experience your project.
Playability: Test your mod to ensure that it's functional and complete enough to play.
Description: Include a brief description of your project, highlighting how it connects with the theme "Living World" and any special features you want players to notice.
Resources
ROM Editing Tools: If you’re new to modding *Ocarina of Time* or *Majora’s Mask*, tools like SharpOcarina, Utility of Time, ZAP2, and ZeldaEdit can be incredibly useful.
Documentation: We recommend browsing modding forums, community documentation, and tool guides to get started.
Community and Support
Join our Discord to connect with other participants, get help with technical challenges, or simply share your progress! This jam is a celebration of creativity within the *Zelda* community, so feel free to collaborate, discuss, and support each other.
Let’s breathe new life into these classic worlds and explore how vibrant, mysterious, and immersive Hyrule and Termina can become. Good luck, and happy modding!