Hiya! Welcome to NeverMore Niche's first Game Jam! We are a dedicated group of gamers, journalists and soon to be publishers working to bring more "hidden gem" indie games into the spotlight and support talented game developers along the way.
We plan to host three Game Jams a year, each with its own focus and theme. We are new to this, so any advice from veteran hosts and participants is always welcome. We want our jams to be fun and fulfilling, open to all levels of expertise. Most importantly, enjoy yourself!
Our theme this time is SAIL AWAY. As we are in the middle of Summer, it seems appropriate to have a jam all about those cozy, casual summer games you can get lost in for a few hours. Whether it's a visual novel that takes place on a beach, a drink mixing tavern style game or a platformer looking for buried treasure, as long as it is based around something summertime, it can be considered for entry.
Bonus points if the game incorporates a sailboat or sailing.
Entries can be submitted at any time after the jam opens, but no later than August 26 at 12:00AM/PST.
In addition to sticking to the Summertime, Sail Away theme, entries need to adhere to the following rules:
- All assets must be either created, owned by you or through a respected open asset source. In your entry description, you must indicate what assets are yours and what are from a marketplace.
- Entries must be playable. Even if they are only a demo or half completed, the judges need to be able to try out your game to be considered for judging. If possible, submit your entry as a browser game for best playability.
- Fan games are allowed, as long as it doesn't violate copyright laws.
- Any style- 2D, 3D, Pixel, visual novel, ect is allowed.
- No NSFW, Gore, Politics, or anything over a E10 rating.
- Games must be in the cozy, casual, wholesome genre
- Games must be free to play without microtransactions or in-app purchases during the jam.
- Solo and team projects will be accepted, so grab a few friends and have fun creating!
- If your game is in another language other than English, please provide accurate English subtitles/menu options.
- No use of AI. This will result in automatic disqualification.
- 1 entry per person/team
- Submitters will retain all rights to their game after the jam.
Our judges rank entries based on this rating criteria:
- Suitably fits the theme (summertime/sail away). Again, bonus points for the use of sailing or sailboats.
- Creativity
- Cozy/Casual/Wholesomeness
- Enjoyable gameplay with minimal glitches
- Use of chosen art style
- Sound/Music
Top 5 entries will receive:
- Personalized piece of merch with their game art on it
- Special role in our Discord
- Opportunity to be on an episode of our Podcast
- Opportunity for a contract with NeverMore Niche's upcoming publishing branch, Liminal Pendulum. Includes PR package and promotion. Estimated opening Q2, 2025.
All entries will be played on our Twitch and YouTube channels, with developer Q&A.
PR package (press kit, press release and teaser trailer) will be available to all entries upon request.
For more indie Madness and Mischief, visit our website.
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If you have any questions during the jam, please email ravensquills@nevermoreniche.com