Submissions open from 2025-02-09 04:00:00 to 2025-02-19 04:00:00
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Slow Burn Jam 2: We’re Friends
Friendship—it’s warm, comforting, and sometimes... unsettling. What does it really mean to be friends? This year’s theme, “We’re Friends,” invites you to explore bonds that heal, relationships that hurt, or connections that are downright eerie. Sweet or sinister, wholesome or haunting—your interpretation is up to you.
This jam is all about building suspense and telling stories that linger long after the credits roll. Whether it’s a cozy tale, an emotional rollercoaster, or a slow descent into dread, we’re here for it.
Need inspiration? Think about games like Doki Doki Literature Club, where the friendly tone unravels into something sinister, or Oxenfree, where group dynamics take a dark and supernatural turn. Maybe your game explores themes like those in Undertale, where seemingly friendly faces harbor deeper, unsettling motives.
Consider experimenting with mechanics to build tension:
Dialogue Choices: Start with friendly banter that grows ominous or manipulative.
Hidden Indicators: Use subtle cues, like a friend’s changing tone or behaviors, to hint at something deeper.
Unreliable Allies: Introduce mechanics where trusting a friend feels safe—until it’s not.
Time-Based Suspense: Create a slow buildup where the player realizes too late that the "friend" was never on their side.
Environmental Changes: Shift the tone of your world as the “friend” becomes less friendly, creating unease without direct confrontation.
Create a game that makes players care, question, or shiver. Slow burns are meant to stick with us—let’s make something unforgettable together!
