RPG Maker MZ Touch the Stars Game Jam

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RPG Maker MZ Touch the Stars Game Jam community

Sticky Post: Clarifications and More! Sticky

A topic by StudioBlue created Jun 21, 2021 Views: 5,246 Replies: 180

Viewing posts 1 to 57

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago (2 edits) (+3)

Hey everyone, Steel here. There are three minor points that we wanted to put out here so that everyone involved can see what we're doing. This is in the interest of clarity and transparency.

Once the submission period ends, and the rating/judging period begins, you will not be able to upload any updates to your game until that period ends. The public will only see your final submitted game for voting on the "Fan Favorite" category.
You will not see the list of submissions until after the submission period ends. Entrants are discouraged from sharing their final game until the rating/judging period begins. That way, everyone gets a fair chance at the "Fan Favorite" category.
The final results of the jam, including the winner of the "Fan Favorite" category (which we cannot change, just to be transparent) will remain hidden until the results for every place is tabulated. That's just so we can reveal every winner at once. Afterwards, those rating results will be made public.

If you have any questions, or need clarification on anything, please let us know here!

Trvado3 years ago

I have read the rules for the game jam and need some clarification. The game jam rules states no strong violence or sexual themes now of course the game I have planned doesn't have or show any forms of nudity or extreme violence but it will imply it through narrative and though no nudity it will have art of characters in undergarments is that allowed?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there and thanks for posting. :-)

Implied violence is fine, since you're not showing it on-screen.

Undergarments are fine as well so long as they are something like a see-through string bikini.

The ERSB guidelines are good to follow as well: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainment_Software_Rating_Board

If you require any more clarification, please let me know.

Trvado3 years ago(+1)

Awesome thanks for the clarification

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Peppermint GamesSubmitted3 years ago

I've read the rules and had a couple questions. Regarding violence, I'm assuming standard combat is okay. Regarding copyright, is it okay to take inspiration and/or some basic story beats from other media?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there! Thanks for asking.

"Yes" to both points. There are no worries there.

So that there is no confusion, taking inspiration from a story, or replicating the general concept from a story beat is not the same a plagiarism.

Lepus NixSubmitted3 years ago

Hello, I see no country restrictions in the rules so anyone from anywhere can apply right?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there! There is no country restriction at this time. If there were ever any changes to that, we'd let you know.

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WyldFire GamesSubmitted3 years ago

Quick question regarding assets made before the jam. Was wondering if we could use art that was created before the jam? I have some art I had commissioned a while ago from a failed project that I would like to repurpose for this jam if possible.

Nick_KomodoHost3 years ago

Absolutely Ok.

LotreinSubmitted3 years ago

Hello!
I have a question about Contest Rules and Conditions.
Step: "You may use resources sold through Komodo in the Degica Games Shop or via Steam."

So, if I bought an asset or something else on another site (itch.io for example) then it is not allowed to use it?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago(+1)

Hey there and thanks for asking. This is an inclusive rule, and not an exclusive one. It's simply saying that those assets are indeed allowed, not that other assets are not allowed.

Rule #1 states "Pre-existing assets (like DLC or custom created) can be used".

Rule #7 may be redundant, but it's there to make sure that people know that they can win with store-bought assets.

LotreinSubmitted3 years ago(+1)

Thanks!

Syn-Cypher3 years ago

Every time I put in my email to download MZ for the event trial it tells me "An error has occurred" and I am unable to download it. This happened both yesterday and today. Is this just an issue with high traffic and if so, is there another way I could download it? Thank you in advance. (Here's a picture of what I'm seeing when I put in my email).

Nick_KomodoHost3 years ago

If you can message me on the RPGMakerWeb forums (Touchfuzzy) or DM me on Twitter (@RPGMakerWeb), I can send you the link :).

Syn-Cypher3 years ago

Will do! Thank you Nick, I appreciate it.

Nick_KomodoHost3 years ago

Link sent :)

Triolet noire3 years ago

Can I use music from previous versions (RPG MV, VXace) and include it in the MZ?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there! Yes, you can use other RM assets in the game jam, so long as the actual game engine is RMMZ, not anything else.

Rod22923 years ago

I use RPG Maker MV, is it possible to use the MV assets too?

Nick_KomodoHost3 years ago

Assets are fine, but the game has to be made in MZ.

Rod22923 years ago(+1)

Thanks :D

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StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there and thanks for asking your question here. Only the RPG Maker MZ game engine can be used in this game jam. You can use assets (music, graphics, etc) from earlier versions; however, you must use the RPG Maker MZ engine. We hope that helps clear things up!

Cootadude3 years ago(+1)

Okay.. Thank you..

Kuranyem3 years ago

I also want to forward the fact that I have the same issue as Syn-Cypher, the version available for the jam currently cannot be downloaded because of the error occurring.

Since the problem still occurs 19hours after that post, maybe it just doesn't work anymore?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there, and thanks for letting us know. I'm not entirely sure what the issue is (I don't have access to that backend), but I will make sure that TouchFuzzy and Komodo know of this issue. As soon as I hear anything, I'll make another sticky post.

Studio Moonchalk3 years ago

I heard about the theme "Touching the Stars", but what does that mean?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Thanks for asking! We are being really, really loose on what that theme means. It could be as simple as touching a real-life star, meeting a pop "star", or anything you can imagine. Please do not get hung up on that aspect of the contest. The real purpose is for YOU to reach for the stars by making the absolute best game (using RPG Maker MZ) that you can make, to push yourself and the engine as hard as you can, then push more. That'll be looked at way more than just "touching the stars."

Studio Moonchalk3 years ago(+1)

Alright! Thank you for the information!

toasty exeSubmitted3 years ago

Excuse me, but I have the same problem as Syn-Cypher. I get the same error message.

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

(This is a duplicate reply, since the issues are identical!)

Hey there, and thanks for letting us know. I'm not entirely sure what the issue is (I don't have access to that backend), but I will make sure that TouchFuzzy and Komodo know of this issue. As soon as I hear anything, I'll make another sticky post.

Vamp3 years ago (1 edit)

Hello!
I wanted a bit of clarification of the game length rule. If we make a game that is shorter than the 20 minute minimum but is meant for multiple playthroughs/has multiple endings, would multiple runs count towards the allotted time or will games be judged by only one playthrough?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there, and thanks for replying. In this case, the judges would have discretion as to whether or not they want to count only one play-through. If they decide that, then yes, it would be a problem. My recommendation, to make 100% sure, is to make sure that one play-through lasts roughly 20 minutes.

Also, consider putting a disclaimer at the start of a new game stating what you just said. That should also help work in your favor. Think of it this way, the more information a judge has on your game, the better.

I hope this helps. Unfortunately, each judge is going to approach things differently.

Vamp3 years ago(+1)

That helps a lot, thank you so much for the response! 👍

LotreinSubmitted3 years ago

I have a question on a similar topic, about the game length.

For example, there are literally 5-7 minutes left before the end of the game. But the timer of the judge shows 1 hour already, although the general course of the plot shows that the end of the game is very soon.

In this case, the judge immediately interrupts the game and moves on to the next one, or is there still a very small time limit allow?

After all, everyone passes the game at their own pace, and it would be a shame if the judge doesn't have time to finish the game because of his/her pace of playing :)

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago(+1)

Hey there, and thanks for asking that.

Each judge can and most likely will pause their play-through at the one hour mark, judge based on that, then continue playing until the end. So in your scenario, the judge would most likely finish the game, but not judge based on those final 5 to 7 minutes.

LotreinSubmitted3 years ago(+1)

This is not the most encouraging information :D

But still thank you very much for the answer!

AI SinSubmitted3 years ago

Definitely not the most encouraging answer. My game can be completed in 5 minutes if the judge decides to speedrun and can take over 1 hour if the judge decides to really take their time. I'm not saying they would, but basically, a judge could decide to fail a game on a whim by skipping dialogue and rushing through a shorter game and judge on an incomplete experience by taking their time.

pupco1Submitted3 years ago

hey i have a (stupid) question, If I edit a photo of Obama so that he has pink hair and cat ears, does that still violate rule 18?

Nick_KomodoHost3 years ago(+1)

Yes

pupco1Submitted3 years ago(+1)

Thank you

pupco1Submitted3 years ago

I have another question if I have a creative commons picture of a model, who is not represented as that model, and instead as a different character, would that violate rule 18?

Nick_KomodoHost3 years ago(+1)

As long as you can legally use it, it should be fine.

mokura3 years ago

Hihi, How about using "bad words" but censored? Like AS##### do this have a problem or do I need to remove the bad words from the game? they aren't supposed to be offensive to anyone they're just to add more personality in one specific character I create.
(I made this question before but I deleted because I guess here's the place to make this question)

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago(+1)

Hey there! Implied vulgarity should be fine. Your best bet would be to print out the swears like Q-Bert: "$%)Q%%*!" That is an implied swear.

However, so long as you self-censor, and aren't making it every other word, you should be fine. :-)

mokura3 years ago(+1)

ookay, thank you :3

OpalablueSubmitted3 years ago

Hi! I have a question. It says that "Entrants are discouraged from sharing their final game until the rating/judging period begins" but can I still share devlogs or stream while developing?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago (1 edit)

Hi there! :-)

I'm clarifying that one with Komodo and will get you an answer shortly.

OpalablueSubmitted3 years ago

Okay! Waiting

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago(+1)

Sorry for making you wait so long for an answer. Yes, Dev Blogs, Dev Streams, etc, are fine. :-)

Kaijira3 years ago

The ESRB has only ever given 2 games the AO rating solely for violence. One being a distasteful mass shooting simulator (Hatred), the other being an unreleased fighting game focusing on Fatalitites during the ESRB's infancy 20+ years ago (Thrill Kill).

So would I be safe in assuming that I can cram as many red pixels as I can into a 48x48 grid, so long as the violence isn't sexual in nature, and so long as it is not an attempt to inspire controversy?

I only ask because I'm a graphics artist and the idea of trying to gross people out in a pixelated horror game sounds like a fun challenge.

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago(+1)

Hey there and thanks for asking! When looking at Rule #14's mention of extreme violence, I would draw comparisons better with movies. You'd want to steer clear of graphical stuff like in the Saw/Hostel franchise, while completely over-the-top violence (like in Peter Jackson's Braindead/Dead Alive) maybe given more leeway.

Ultimately, though, you need to remember Rule #19. The judges have sole discretion to disqualify based on their interpretation of the rules. Therefore, if any of the four judges decide that your game breaks the extreme violence rule, then your will be disqualified. You wont be able to argue the semantics of Rule #14, even with what I've told you in the paragraph above.

In short: I recommend you steer clear of your gross-out idea, but if you feel that you can do it without crossing the line, go for it!

Kaijira3 years ago(+1)

Alright, I think I got a better handle on the intent of the rule now. Thinking about it again I also realize it might be difficult to host a game with disturbing imagery, even at very low resolution. Thanks for the speedy response!

Oruman3 years ago

Hi; I downloaded the contest version of RMMZ, however when I try to open it, it tells me that my Key has expired and I have to purchase it. Does the contest version link to the Free Trial version in some way? And is there a way that I can get the contest version so that I can still participate in this contest?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago(+1)

Hey there and thanks for asking! If you can, please message Nick (from Komodo) on the RPGMakerWeb forums (Touchfuzzy) or DM him on Twitter (@RPGMakerWeb). He can send you the direct link privately. :-)

Oruman3 years ago(+1)

Will do, thank you so much!

Elijah KangSubmitted3 years ago(+1)

Is the game required to be complete or can it be a demo as long as it fits within the 20 minutes to 1 hour rule? Since the goal is to create a game that "looks, sounds and plays as good as the best of the best", I want to create polished graphics and systems but I'm not sure if I'd be able to make a complete game within the one month timeframe.

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago(+2)

Hey there! Your game can be a demo of something larger, or it can be a small game that fits those perimeters. As you retain full rights to that IP, you can always expand it into a longer game and sell that at your leisure.

Kaijira3 years ago

RpgmakerWeb stated that the winners will become sample games. Will those sample games have their source files accessible to the people who download them?

A lot of assets/plugins/sounds/music allow commercial use, but do not allow redistribution. I believe there is a legal issue in these cases if said assets aren't packaged as encrypted files.

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there! The winning games will be distributed for free on RPGMakerWeb, as well as Steam. Because of that, you need to make sure that the assets you use can be utilized in that way. Having said that, please package them as encrypted files, as Komodo is looking to share the game, not the source files. (I know that was a very round-a-bout way to answer your question, but I wanted you to fully understand the logic behind it.) :-)

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StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there and thanks for asking. If you've published your game, you should be able to update it as much as you want until the deadline. So, by all means, test it as many times as you can, then test it again. Just update your uploaded version, but make sure that the version you upload is the one you want the judges to play.

Unfortunately, I cannot be a tester, as I am helping run this game jam. You're going to want to test this game as much as possible, but no one associated with Komodo, or someone who is a judge, can be a part of that. :-)

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AzuNeko Productions3 years ago

Hey, I was just wondering. I wanted to use this generator for the game, but is it legal for the contest?

I know it's old, but I like its style.

http://lovelymoro.web.fc2.com/moromagalabo.html

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there and thank you for asking!

So long as the terms of service for the generator is that it can be used for a commercial game, then you're fine. Just be sure to credit it in your project! :D

AzuNeko Productions3 years ago(+1)

What if for some reason I can't find the terms of service, or contact the creator?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

I would say that it's best to err on the side of caution.

First, I'd translate the page (since I can't read any laungage other than English).

Then, if possible, I'd find what I needed or a way to contact the creator.

If that didn't work, if there was absolutely no way no matter my efforts, I would err on the side of caution and not use it.

Rann3 years ago

Hello! Thank you for hosting this wonderful contest; I'm so excited to see the new entries this year!

I had a few questions regarding the contest rules!

If we had a project that we had started beforehand, never finished, and would like to use the same ideas for this contest, would we be able to if we re-made everything from scratch? (Ex. - Have a few sprites that were made before the jam, but we make new sprites + don't use the old ones?) (Or would this fall under acceptable use as 'custom made assets'?)
For the "Entrants are discouraged from sharing their final game until the rating/judging period begins", is that moreso the final game (with the download)? But screenshots and such are acceptable to show/post on social media?

Thank you!

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there and thank you for joining!

1. Rule #1 states "Development on contest entries MUST be started after the beginning of the contest (June 21st, 2021)." That means that you cannot have worked on it at all. So no, you cannot remake a game you've already started, because something that was already made (story, character information, even formulas or hand-drawn maps...) would already exist.

2. Dev streams and Dev blogs are fine, no worries. We only mean the actual, playable game.

Rann3 years ago

Hello! Thank you so much for clarifying! I understand better now!

AI SinSubmitted3 years ago

Development on contest entries MUST be started after the beginning of the contest (June 21st, 2021). Pre-existing assets (like DLC or custom created) can be used.

It says pre-existing assets can be used, so how does that work?

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StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

If your game is already created, or was in development before the contest started, then you cannot enter it into the Game Jam.

If you submit your game to the contest, there cannot be a cost to it at all. The contest version of your game, no matter what, must be free for everyone. You can rebuild a full version later and charge for it if you want.

I'm not sure what "Should i include my game in the press system?" means. Can you (or someone more familiar with itch.io) elaborate?

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StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Ah, OK. Thanks for sharing that. :-)

So long as the version you have submitted to the contest is free to play, you're good.

ScreenFaultySubmitted3 years ago

Just to be absolutely sure since I haven't joined a jam for a long time, we are allowed to use the assent included in the free version right?

And concerning plugins, are they fine as long as the plugin creator allows for commercial use?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago(+1)

Hey and thanks for asking. :-) Yes to both questions. Just make sure that it's RMMZ that you use to create your game.

ScreenFaultySubmitted3 years ago(+1)

Thanks!

Makorie3 years ago

Hello. I would like to ask for a clarification: "All three placed winners will have their game hosted on both the RPGMakerWeb website, as well as Steam, for the world to see". Is this account a pre-existing one, or would it be a account specifically for this jam? Thank you for your time.

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago(+1)(-1)

Hey there, and thank you for asking.

This will be on the official Degica/Komodo Account: https://store.steampowered.com/publisher/Degica

As for the RPGMakerWeb website, the games will be published using their account as well.

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StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Thanks for asking that. If a project violates the rule, it will only be discovered after submissions are over (when judging starts). Because of that, the project cannot be resubmitted, and the game is disqualified from the contest.

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StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

That's very understandable. We hope that you enjoy playing the various entries in this contest, and good luck with all of your future projects. Stay awesome!

LotreinSubmitted3 years ago

And if my game is disqualified, will I be informed of the reason?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago (1 edit)

Hey there and thanks for asking! Yes, you'll be informed of the reason should your game be disqualified.

AestheticGamer3 years ago

I have a very specific odd question. The game I'm making right now has been entirely concepted and created since the Game Jam started, I even decided I wouldn't use any of my past assets and go for a very stylized look for this project in specific, and doing some of the development on a dev stream. However, there is one thing I want to use from my past that I'm a bit worried about, so I wanted to ask about. Years ago, there was a made-up word I really liked I wanted to use for a project, but I never ended up making that project. The game I'm making now does not resemble that project even a little bit, but I want to use the made-up word I made years ago as the title for this game, because I really like the made-up word.

Is it an issue if the project was entirely concepted and made since the Game Jam started, but I'm using a scrapped name for the game I came up with years ago? I'm a little worried since I had at one point publicly talked about the name of the project in question, but it never ended up going anywhere, and the project I'm currently working on doesn't pull anything from that past project outside of the name. Would that be okay?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago(+1)

Hey there and thanks for asking.

Let's assume that your made up word is "Dobbidots". That word is known to be tied to a game that you made long ago.

If you use the word "Dobbidots" in your game jam entry, you aren't violating any rule. You're just using a word. That's an asset.

You can use your own assets in this contest.

Flame-kun3 years ago(+1)

Hello. Does the in-game character dialogues count as the gameplay time, or are they did not count? My game's currently pretty dialogue-heavy so I wasn't really sure about it.

ScreenFaultySubmitted3 years ago(+1)

I'm not a host, but I believe that everything included in the games counts for time, dialogue included. So the answer is probably yes, dialogues count for gameplay time.

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago(+1)

Hey there and thanks for asking. Yes, dialogs absolutely do count towards runtime. 🙂

ScreenFaultySubmitted3 years ago (1 edit)

One last question for me, since I don't know if it is allowed at all, but can we use tilesets from other RPGMakers? I'm seeing if it's possible to use the SF_Inside from RPGMaker MZ since I like the tileset provided there, especially the green cyber/hexagon tiles.

Thanks.

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago(+1)

Thanks for checking in with that. Yes you can use other resources, including tilesets, from other engines. You just have to create the game itself in RMMZ.

ScreenFaultySubmitted3 years ago(+1)

Thanks!

TinyawesomeSubmitted3 years ago

Really weird question, is someone able to win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd and fan favorite, or are all the placed winners excluded from winning fan favorite?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago (1 edit)

Hey there! Not a weird question at all. Yes, if both of your two entries place, then you win twice, and both of your games will be published. :-) (Fan Favorite excluded from publication, of course....)

TinyawesomeSubmitted3 years ago

Well, I guess I more so meant 1 entry, if its 2 games well then yeah that makes sense, but could 1 game on its own win both 1st, 2nd, or 3rd as well as fan favorite?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Ah, OK, I think that I understand your question. Let me know if this helps:

1. One contestant can create two games. Both of those games can place separately.

2. Any single game cannot win both 1st and 2nd, 1st and 3rd, or 2nd and 3rd.

3. A game can win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, as well as Fan Favorite.

ThaironeCC3 years ago(+1)

1- I would like to know if I can use images created by me? It's not absolutely 100% clear when the rules say that you can only use the rpg maker mz to program - what I want is to insert images made by me to use in my project, after all, it's my own resource and not another tool construction. Please, the sooner they get back to me, the sooner I can complete my project. Thanks! 2- Can I use a Sample Game Project such as Visustella's as the basis for building my game? As it is available for free to use, I think it wouldn't be unfair as it is free to access for everyone!

This is the Sample Game: https://visustella.itch.io/visumz-sample

In this project there are images that are copyrighted but I'll swap them for the basic images - my interest is only in the plugins and the improvements they cause! Thanks: D

slimmmeiske2Submitted3 years ago

Yes, you can use your own resources.

As for the sample project, I'll leave that question to the hosts. Do be aware the Visu tiles are non-commercial usage only, so you won't be able to use those.

ThaironeCC3 years ago

Yes, certainly! What will make it easier for me to use the visu project is the language - it's already all in English, I just need to keep writing in English without having to change the entire language at all. If I had to translate every detail from Portuguese, it would take a long time. I will delete all tilesets and apply the patterns myself.

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago (1 edit)

1. Yes, you can use your own images. The rules state that you can use your own assets. You just have to use the RPG Maker MZ engine.

2. Yes, you can use stuff from the Sample Game, but not the stuff that is non-commercial (as slimmmeiske2 pointed out.)

ThaironeCC3 years ago(+1)

Thank you very much! Unfortunately I only saw this contest two days ago... I will do the best I can for the remaining 13 days!!

I've replaced all visu graphics with normal graphics.

I will translate most of the texts using the google translator, as I understand very basic English only. I don't know if any writing or translation errors could compromise the game's judgment but I'll do the best I can!!

The nerd mansionSubmitted3 years ago

Am I safe to post screenshots of the development in my website or twitter as in teaser screenshots?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there and thanks for asking. :-)

Yes, please feel free to post development screenshots of your game for this contest. Be sure to tag @RPGMakerWeb and spread the word!

ThaironeCC3 years ago (1 edit)

Can I use songs (musics) in midi format that were created by me over a year ago?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there! Yes, you can definitely do that so long as they can be played by RPG Maker MZ, and so long you have the rights to use them (obviously you do if they are yours).

ThaironeCC3 years ago(+1)

thnaks :D

pupco1Submitted3 years ago

I have a third question, are references to alcohol allowed?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there! Yes, references to alcohol are allowed. Like anything "adult", I would express caution on going way, way, way overboard. However, that is only my opinion. Alcohol references are quite fine.

ProjectMDZXSubmitted3 years ago

Hi. I have a question about my project. Besides the one for the Jam, I'm currently working in another one in MV. I was thinking of having them happen in the same universe, but other than that be totally different games (maybe using some assets such as enemies and names). Would that be breaking the rules for the jam?
Thanks!

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago (1 edit)

Hey there and thanks for asking! So long as you haven't started developing the Game Jam entry before the game jam (and it sounds like you haven't) then you're fine, even if you created a game within the same universe ahead of time.

It's all about whether or not you started THIS game (the game you are submitting) before the Game Jam started.

ProjectMDZXSubmitted3 years ago(+1)

Well, thanks so much for the clarification. And yes, the development of the Jam entry started just a few days after the Jam started.

ThaironeCC3 years ago

Hello again!
I explained earlier that unfortunately I found the contest only halfway through, so I have a huge doubt...

I know the game needs to be at least 20 minutes long and will only be evaluated in the first hour, correct? Another thing is that the winning games will be free but the player is free to market and upload anything they want, right? Here's my question: Is the contest project required to have a beginning, middle and end, even if it lasts at least 20 minutes or can it be a kind of demo?

I ask this because I believe I have a good idea but I don't know if in 9 and a half days I can create a game that is both good at arresting the player and not too simple or silly - so I thought I'd deliver something that is complex enough to please but not necessarily complete with all the content, just enough to be a good game but still open. Of course, if I have to deliver a game with a beginning, middle and an end, well then it wouldn't be exactly like my first idea but like the second one, which is maybe not so good.

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago(+1)

Hey there and thanks for asking.

The aim of the contest is to do your absolute best. So, if there is no actual rule saying it has to be a complete game, then a "demo" of sorts is just fine. In other words, go ahead and create what is your best, moreso than worrying if it has to have the traditional beginning, middle, and end.

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ThaironeCC3 years ago(+1)

took a weight off my shoulders ahahahah thank you

LotreinSubmitted3 years ago(+1)

This answer scared me a little :)
Will the judges take into account such attention as the plot, story, atmosphere in the game?

I think everyone focuses on something different. Someone on the technical part, someone on the visual, etc.

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago (1 edit) (+2)

Hey there and thanks for asking.

The short answer to your question is "Yes, that and more."

The longer answer is that each judge will use their own criteria in judging. Things such as plot, story, characters, writing, atmosphere, graphcis, audio, music, gameplay, features, etc... all of that can and will be analyzed. The judges are looking to see what they feel is the best of the best.

I hope that answers your questions. Just do your absolute best. :-)

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StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago(+1)

Concuerdo completamente. ;-)

ThaironeCC3 years ago(+2)

Mi pensamiento es similar: desafortunadamente, solo tomé el concurso con 13 o 12 días para hacer el proyecto y estoy solo, sin equipo. Dudo que esté en el top 3 o sea el mejor para los fanáticos, pero gracias a este concurso y al tema de "tocar las estrellas", tal vez se me ocurrió la mejor idea que he tenido.

No tengo ningún gráfico inédito (aparte de lo que citaré a continuación) o características y complementos extremadamente interesantes o una persona que me ayude (tal vez uno que se traduzca del portugués al inglés), pero hice al menos 90 gráficos. y una especie de "mapa principal" y la idea está formulada en mi cabeza.

Aunque no gané ningún premio, la inspiración vino con todo y voy a hacer la mejor demo que pueda, por el AMOR del RPG !!!

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago(+1)

Solo da lo mejor de ti! :D

LotreinSubmitted3 years ago

Probably a stupid question, but since I am not a native English speaker, I will still ask it :)

Such expressions as "Screw you" or "Go to hell" are "soft curses"? It's acceptable in this Game Jam?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago (1 edit)

Hey there! Thanks for asking. Yes, that will be fine. :-)

miphorimSubmitted3 years ago

Hello, I want to ask. Can I submit a demo/incomplete version of the game?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago(+1)

Hey there! Yes, you can. The judges may or may no judge based on that, but there is no rule stopping you from doing so. :-)

LotreinSubmitted3 years ago

As I see it, the deadline has been extended by one day, to July 22 instead of 21?
This is how it is intended, is it not a mistake?:)

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

I believe that it's when the clock ticks over from the 21st to the 22nd that submissions come to an end.

I'll verify, and if that is not the case I'll reply back.

LotreinSubmitted3 years ago

Good.

Just in case, here is a screenshot. As I understand it, my local time is displayed at the bottom, and the time in the Pacific Time Zone is displayed in the pop-up frame.

But this is slightly at odds with the time indicated at the top :)

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Thanks for this!

Nick_KomodoHost3 years ago(+2)

I'm not catching the problem. I'm looking at it now. End of day on July 21st is 7am July 22nd UTC (Pacific is UTC -7). That is when it is ending.

LowWahSubmitted3 years ago

Hi, I just want to make sure my entry is still valid. I had an idea for a game but didn't start developing it yet, just writing down some notes etc. A few days prior to this event, I was bored and wanted to write some proof of concept scripts for the game idea, I was planning for mobile so the scripts was android deployment and a better touch input for the menus. Then the next day, the event started and I figured I could use MZ to start making the game. Am I allowed to submit the game even though I was writing scripts just the day before? I'm not using them directly cause its no longer for mobile and MZ scripts have better touch input compared to MV so I had to rework it anyway.

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there and thanks for asking! So long as you weren't creating the game ahead of time, you're 100% fine.

So, if you are entering a game that you started working on the day before, that is not OK.

But, if you are using an asset from a game you started working on, that's fine.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

LowWahSubmitted3 years ago(+1)

Assets includes plugins right? If so, sounds like I'm in the clear. Thanks

Kino3 years ago

When it comes to credits, can we put any additional credits on the jam page as well?

For example, if I have 10 plugins, do I need to credit each one individually in game / on the itch page?

Nick_KomodoHost3 years ago

I'm not sure I understand the question exactly. Just in general you should credit every person you used materials from. You don't have to credit each individual plugin, but you do need to credit each coder/artist/musician/etc. (So if you have 10 plugins, made by 3 different plugin creators, you should credit those 3 people).

Kino3 years ago(+1)

Awesome thanks!

Trvado3 years ago

Kay I know this is gonna sound like overindulgent but can we like have one more day? lol

Peppermint GamesSubmitted3 years ago(+1)

Don't give me hope haha!

Trvado3 years ago (1 edit)

lol Because of my work schedule i kinda realize their was no hope for me from the start lol

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there. I'm afraid not, sorry. The deadline is in a little under 12 hours. Best of luck!

Flame-kun3 years ago

Ah, I almost forgot to ask about this:

If the game has a set of recurring/radiant quests after the main storyline ends (tho its only an intro/tutorial lol), will the quest be counted only once for the gameplay time minimum? Or will it be counted as many as necessary?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there! This is a good question, so I hope this answers properly:

1. The Judges will play your entry for a minimum of 20 minutes. If the game completes (back to Title screen, for example) before 20 minutes, they'll likely DQ it.

2. The Judges will stop playing your game at the 1 hour mark, regardless of how far along they are, and likely won't consider anything beyond it. Some of the judges have said as much on stream.

Hopefully, that gives you a metric of what will be used to judge your game. :-)

Flame-kun3 years ago

So the repeatable "post-game" content does not counted? Or is it still counted, since the game won't get you into title screen after the story ends there?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

I would say that the Judges will have to decide that for themselves.

ThaironeCC3 years ago (2 edits)

I saw that they asked about the time zone but I still have a question... now it's 2:16 pm here, in the south of Brazil and the time that the site says I'm missing is 1 day and 13 hours, that is, it would be up to tomorrow at 4:00 pm, ok?  The site says that the game would be delivered until the 21st at 11:59 pm, which automatically means that I have to deliver the game until the 22nd at 4:00 am.  Is your time zone from california (west coast of the USA (4 hours before Brasilia time)?
o

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

The official Time Zone listed is US PST (which is California, West Coast).

That is "UTC-7". It is currently 11:02am there.

Hopefully, that answers your question.

ThaironeCC3 years ago(+1)

thanks :D

Lepus NixSubmitted3 years ago

Hello, I uploaded the game but I don't know which option to check, Draft, Restricted or public?

Can I reupload another file if I sill have some time for modifications?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there and welcome! Yes, so long as the timer hasn't expired, you should be able to modify your upload. :-)

OpalablueSubmitted3 years ago

Hi! Should I upload my game as Draft, Restricted or public? And how can I make sure it is submitted? It's my first game jam so I'm not sure.

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

I would say that upload it as "Public". It will be hidden from the public (admins excluded) until the deadline passes. Then everyone will have full access to it.

If, for any reason, I learn otherwise, I'll let you know. Otherwise, assume it's "Public."

The nerd mansionSubmitted3 years ago

can the game be made available to download to the public during the judging period?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Hey there and thanks for asking! Yes, it should become available as soon as the judging begins. So long as you published it, it'll go live to the public.

AI SinSubmitted3 years ago

Hmmm... I do have a question about the rules. I just realized that the rules said:

Games MUST be created using only RPG Maker MZ (either the one distributed for free during the contest, or one that you've purchased). Plugins are fine, but no other game engine may be used.

If I made a project with RPG Maker MZ, then did all my editing in Notepad++, then went back to RPG Maker MZ for deployment and testing, would that be against the rules?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Heya. The rule states "no other game engine may be used". That doesn't include Notepad++ (I'm sure some people will argue that it's a scripting engine). The rule is to keep people from using RPG Maker MV, or Unity2D or whatnot, instead of RPG Maker MZ. So, yeah, you're fine! :-)

AI SinSubmitted3 years ago(+1)

Oh good, I was worried that someone was going to say that my submission was invalid because I made my maps in notepad++ instead of the RPGM MZ software.

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago (1 edit)

Ok, I'll bite. How did you make maps in Notepad++?

AI SinSubmitted3 years ago (2 edits) (+1)

I swear I showed this in IGMC2018, but... it is very simple. The maps are just json files, so if you know the syntax, it is pretty easy.

If you have RPGM MZ running at the same time, you can even see it updated whenever you save.

Example of an event in the json:

{"id":24,"name":"Secret Starfish","note":"","pages":[{"conditions":{"actorId":1,"actorValid":false,"itemId":1,"itemValid":false,"selfSwitchCh":"A","selfSwitchValid":false,"switch1Id":1,"switch1Valid":false,"switch2Id":1,"switch2Valid":false,"variableId":1,"variableValid":false,"variableValue":0},"directionFix":true,"image":{"tileId":0,"characterName":"Starfish","direction":2,"pattern":1,"characterIndex":0},"list":[{"code":122,"indent":0,"parameters":[6,6,0,0,0]},{"code":122,"indent":0,"parameters":[9,9,0,0,0]},{"code":111,"indent":0,"parameters":[4,3,3,257]},{"code":0,"indent":1,"parameters":[]},{"code":411,"indent":0,"parameters":[]},{"code":122,"indent":1,"parameters":[6,6,1,0,1]},{"code":0,"indent":1,"parameters":[]},{"code":412,"indent":0,"parameters":[]},{"code":111,"indent":0,"parameters":[4,3,3,259]},{"code":0,"indent":1,"parameters":[]},{"code":411,"indent":0,"parameters":[]},{"code":122,"indent":1,"parameters":[6,6,1,0,1]},{"code":0,"indent":1,"parameters":[]},{"code":412,"indent":0,"parameters":[]},{"code":111,"indent":0,"parameters":[4,1,3,131]},{"code":0,"indent":1,"parameters":[]},{"code":411,"indent":0,"parameters":[]},{"code":111,"indent":1,"parameters":[10,52,true]},{"code":0,"indent":2,"parameters":[]},{"code":411,"indent":1,"parameters":[]},{"code":122,"indent":2,"parameters":[9,9,1,0,1]},{"code":0,"indent":2,"parameters":[]},{"code":412,"indent":1,"parameters":[]},{"code":0,"indent":1,"parameters":[]},{"code":412,"indent":0,"parameters":[]},{"code":101,"indent":0,"parameters":["",0,0,2,""]},{"code":401,"indent":0,"parameters":["You are missing \\V[6] important secrets from this area"]},{"code":401,"indent":0,"parameters":["and \\V[9] important generic secrets."]},{"code":0,"indent":0,"parameters":[]}],"moveFrequency":3,"moveRoute":{"list":[{"code":0,"parameters":[]}],"repeat":true,"skippable":false,"wait":false},"moveSpeed":3,"moveType":0,"priorityType":1,"stepAnime":false,"through":false,"trigger":0,"walkAnime":true}],"x":1,"y":7},

It is really useful because for example, if I accidentally put event To Cave as id 25 instead of id 2, I can just change the "id" field and do some rearrangement.

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

It's possible that you did and I don't recall because I wasn't that involved in the process.

However, that is extremely amazing, inventive, and impresses the heck out of me.

Way to go!

AI SinSubmitted3 years ago(+1)

Well, there are both pros and cons to making everything via the json and js files:

Pros

Assuming you know what you are doing...
- It is very fast to make events and areas and changes
- Depending on what editor you use, you can easily have certain things highlighted to make work easier.
- It becomes easy to edit multiple events with the same commands (say you have 5 different events that use "add item 02" but you change item 02 to item 102. You can easily search and change all the events at about the same time.
- If things are in the wrong place (say you have your events all grouped, so 1-5 should be transfer events and 6-15 are signs, etc. You add a new transfer event to a new area later on. You can easily just insert the new event in 6 and just renumber all the IDs starting at 6 to be increased by 1.
- You can sometimes do things that the RPGM software can't do natively in the software, but can do in the engine.

Cons

If you want a visual, you need RPGM MZ open anyways. (it will ask you if you want to refresh when the files change)
You need to know how to read json and js to edit them and you need to know how the engine's json syntax is or you'll get errors and/or bugs.
It can be very hard for some people to remember all the numbers for things like maps.
It is slow if you don't know what you are doing.
It can be very hard to read depending on your font and screen settings.
It is easy to make a mistake and hard to find mistakes if you don't know what you are looking for.

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

I see. So kind of like using C++ in UE4 as opposed to Blueprints. Each has their own unique advantages and disadvantages, but in the end it's the flavor of the developer. Very cool!

OpalablueSubmitted3 years ago

Hello! Can I share my games in other places too? Like GameJolt or RPG Maker forums?

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Yes. However, only the version on itch.io uploaded for the Game Jam will be used for judging.

LT Brayitan3 years ago

I don't see my game at Jam. Is my account locked? I do not understand what is happening.

https://microosetgames.itch.io/aventuras-del-valle

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Did you set it to "Public"? If not, set it. And is it tagged as Windows? Touch and I need to be able to find it in the Submission list.

Let me know if either of those two things work.

LT Brayitan3 years ago

I have checked everywhere and everything is in order.

I don't know if I'm under some kind of DDoS attack.

It means I'm in trouble. Do I upload the game on this page quickly? What I can do? I was one of the first people to participate.

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

Check the submission page for the entry as well. Check every tag. Run through each setting again. We're looking into the back end of things.

We have time to fix this, as the judging won't start for a while longer. So don't panic.

LT Brayitan3 years ago

My account was suspended without understanding why. I have not received a notification from Ich.io

Maybe they reported me for this purpose, to stay out. I do not know. I just wanted to be present in the community, that's all.

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago

I'm wondering if it has something to do with the non-English? I can't imagine, since I was replying in Spanish as well.

Are you suspended from the Game Jam? Or from itch.io?

LT Brayitan3 years ago

The game appears to be Jam registered. Language has nothing to do with it. Itch suspended my account, which directly impairs my participation. I'll see if I can try to get it back somehow.

StudioBlueJam Host3 years ago(+1)

Yikes. Let me know if there is anything we need to do on our end. Meanwhile, I'll let Komodo know.

Deleted post3 years ago

Deleted 3 years ago

LT Brayitan3 years ago(+1)

When browsing Jam, the game appears in the latest screenshots and is downloadable. At least the file is there!

https://itch.io/jam/rpg-maker-mz-touch-the-stars-game-jam/rate/1104097

AI SinSubmitted3 years ago (1 edit) (+1)

Well, if nothing else, I've added the game to the jam collection I made. I wonder why you were suspended though.

View more in thread

AI SinSubmitted3 years ago (2 edits) (+1)

On your Edit game page, what do you have set for Kind of Project, Release Status, Visibility & Access? (also what tag is on your file itself):

LT Brayitan3 years ago

Hi friends. they remind me? I missed the game jam due to inconveniences. but I have come back stronger! Take a look at the game. ;) --> https://gmicrooset.itch.io/valleyadventures

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