This jam is now over. It ran from 2024-07-01 05:00:00 to 2024-09-30 05:00:00. View 6 entries

The Tension Engine is a d6 pool based system which powers Gamenomicon's first published game, the 1980s alt history horror game, Party First. It is a rules light d6 die pool based system that also uses those rolls to generate a GM metacurrency called Tension, which builds and breaks in a manner to generate cinematic pacing. It also incentivizes teamwork group cohesion on the part of the adventuring party. The SRD includes a number of option rules modules and suggestions as a starting point for designers to customize the system to their own needs.

Listen to a podcast where Will and Jerod break down the Tension Engine SRD or watch the video!

Check out an actual play of the basic fantasy rules in the SRD!

The above podcast/video series follows Will and Jerod as they prep a new Wound by Tension game from the ground up for eventual publishing. It should be a great resource for this jam. Plus, if you like it, here's the landing page for the upcoming game, Honorbound.

Guidelines:

Jam

The goal is to produce games using the Tension Engine SRD. Feel free to say that your game is 'Wound by Tension' as subtitle or category. That said, other adjacent products are welcome too. Do you want to do a review? Record a one shot actual play of Party First or another Wound by Tension game? Expand on the basic fantasy examples listed in the SRD with a a full bestiary? Go right ahead!

Price

You may price your game or product however you wish. It may be free, pay what you want, or a set dollar amount of your choice. Do what feels right to you for your effort and enjoyment.

Promotion

If you're posting on X, Threads, Mastodon, or the like, be sure to use the #tensionenginejam hashtag and tag Gamenomicon on that platform so that I can help spread the word!

Size

There are no particular limitations here. The SRD is currently 25 pages and Party First was roughly 50, but do what feels right for your project. I'd even be curious if anyone wants to try to compress the ideas in the SRD down to the shortest they can!