Thanks to Raindrinker for the awesome logo!

An open challenge to create a game prototype where "running" is a core element. (See Focus below for more details.)

All skill levels are welcome from beginner to professional. New to this whole thing? Never made a game before? Play some jam-winning games to see where you can be after several jams of practice. 

Jam Intro + Theme Announcement (premieres at jam start)

About Us

Hosted by 8 Bits to Infinity: a game development community improving creative and technical skills through rapid iteration and honest, critical feedback. Join us on Discord, check out our website, and take a look at our past jams and challenges.

The man behind 8 Bits to Infinity is Retro Indie Josh (aka Joshua McLean): streamer, musician, and game developer. Check out his game music (free for you to use in jams and commercial projects!) and his streams and other work.

Focus (Required): Run

"Running" must be at least one critical, core element of your game.

You are allowed to interpret this as you like, but you must explain how your game applies the focus when you submit.

Here are some ideas:

• Running is a core mechanic (either always running, or running vs walking)
• The game is meant to be played over several runs, such as a rogue-like or rogue-lite
• The game has a timer and elements encourage speedrunning
• Various other interpretations of "run" such as running water, running engines, running out (of time etc.), running a business - use your imagination!

For extra fun and challenge, try implementing the focus as many different ways as you can.

Theme (Semi-Optional): GRAVITY

The theme is optional, but remember Theme/Limitation counts for 20% of your Community Choice score. Also, the theme can be a great way to come up with ideas if you're stuck!

You are free to interpret the theme however you like. Perhaps it's gravity toward the ground (or wall or ceiling), the gravity of two objects attracting each other (literally or figuratively), or the gravity (i.e. weight) of an emotional or social situation. Use your imagination!

Judging and Prizes

You (contributors to any game entered into this jam) determine the Community Choice by voting on games after the jam concludes. Check out the Ratings Guide for how to interpret categories and tips on good star ratings.

The highest overall rated game will be the winner and placed in the list of 8 Bits to Infinity jam winners. Up to six other games may qualify as runners up for winning in  each of the six categories.

All winning games will be included and highlighted in the post-jam showcase video on the 8 Bits to Infinity YouTube channel..

Rules and FAQ

See the Jam Rules and Jam FAQ for more details.

Jam Specific Rules

• No limitations on:
  • Graphics
  • Audio
  • Engine/library/framework, programming language, and other tools

Challenges/Diversifiers (Optional, but fun!)

Looking for additional challenge in the jam? You can use any number of diversifiers listed here.

Schedule

• Development (main jam): January 20 - 30 (1pm ET)
• Community Choice voting: January 30 - February 6 (1pm ET)
• Streams by Retro Indie Josh: February 1 at 4pm ET and February 4 at Noon ET on Twitch
• Winners and ratings announced: February 6 (4pm ET)

Submitting

• WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU UPLOAD AND SUBMIT EARLY.
  • You are allowed to modify your game page, including files, until the deadline.
  • You are allowed to edit answers to your submission questions (through your submission page) until the deadline.
• Step 1: Click the Join Jam button at the top of this page.
• Step 2: Make your game.
• Step 3: Create a game project page on itch and upload your game files. See this documentation for help.
• Step 4: Submit the game to the jam. After uploading your game, return to this page and click "Submit Your Project" at the top.
  • Be prepared to answer a few questions about your entry when submitting. You must answer all of these questions honestly and completely before the deadline.
  • Submission time is a hard deadline. No late submissions will be accepted.
  • Although you cannot modify files after the deadline has passed, you are still free to edit your game page. But note it is a violation of the rules to link to an updated version created after the deadline, and your entry will be removed.