Welcome to the Great Parable Jam!
This is a relaxed, month-long jam where we explore the fascinating and wonderful world of Parables. We will take the season of Lent (the time leading up to Easter) to create games that interpret the parables of Jesus, or to create parables of our own. This is a great opportunity to try new things, and to explore the unique capabilities of the video game medium.
The challenge
We are going to explore the idea of interactive digital parables. There are three major categories, though feel free to iterate or be creative. You can:
- Explore a parable by turning it into a video game.
- Interpret a parable - providing its explanation through a game.
- Make your own parable - Modernize an existing parable, or create something completely new!
What is a "Parable?"
The word παραβολή (par-ab-ol-ay') literally means "to place two things beside each other". Webster defines a parable as "a usually short fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude or a religious principle" However, this definition misses one of the most important aspects of parables. They were designed to be misunderstood! Jesus frequently spoke in parables. Here is what He says about it:
Then the disciples came up and asked him, “Why are you speaking to them in parables?” He answered, “Because the secrets of the kingdom of heaven have been given for you to know, but it has not been given to them. For whoever has, more will be given to him, and he will have more than enough; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. That is why I speak to them in parables, because looking they do not see, and hearing they do not listen or understand. (Matthew 13:10-13)
A parable is like a secret code. Each story is a riddle that can only be understood if you spent time considering it. Weeks, months, or even years later, you'll suddenly realize what the parable was truly about!
Special Theme
The jam is based around parables, but there will be a special theme revealed when the jam begins. Ideally, this will be an annual jam, so we can explore multiple concepts over the years.
The Schedule
This jam will run during Lent (the 40 days leading up to Easter). We will divide this time into a 5 week jam period followed by a 1 week judging period. The judging will end (and all rankings will be visible) on Easter Sunday.
| Jam Starts | Submissions Close | Ratings End |
| March 8th | April 12 | April 20 |
There will be a submission field for time spent on your game (in general, you don't have to be exact). The goal is to make a game in less than 72 hours of total work. Hopefully this will allow everyone to participate regardless of schedule or ability. There are no penalties for taking more time (especially if you are learning), but please don't clear your entire month's calendar for the jam!
Ideally, this will be a low-stress jam where we all can spend a weekend or a series of evenings putting something really cool together! Work on it a little each day, or all at once; whatever suits your schedule best!
Extra Details
If you're not familiar with the Parables of Jesus, or you just need some inspiration before the jam starts, here's a full list:
| No. | Parable of Jesus | Matthew | Mark | Luke |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Cloth and New Wineskins | Matthew 9:16–17 | Mark 2:21–22 | Luke 5:36–39 |
| 2 | The Lamp On a Stand | Matthew 5:14–16 | Mark 4:21–25 | Luke 8:16–18 |
| 3 | The Wise and the Foolish Builders | Matthew 7:24–27 | Luke 6:47–49 | |
| 4 | The Two Debtors | Luke 7:41–43 | ||
| 5 | The Rich Fool | Luke 12:16–21 | ||
| 6 | The Watchful Servants | Mark 13:34–37 | Luke 12:35–40 | |
| 7 | The Faithful Servant | Matthew 24:45-51 | Luke 12:42–48 | |
| 8 | The Barren Fig Tree | Luke 13:6–9 | ||
| 9 | The Sower | Matthew 13:3–23 | Mark 4:3–20 | Luke 8:5–15 |
| 10 | The Weeds | Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43 | ||
| 11 | The Growing Seed | Mark 4:26–29 | ||
| 12 | The Mustard Seed | Matthew 13:31–32 | Mark 4:30–32 | Luke 13:18–19 |
| 13 | The Yeast | Matthew 13:33 | Luke 13:20–21 | |
| 14 | The Hidden Treasure and the Pearl | Matthew 13:44–46 | ||
| 15 | The Net | Matthew 13:47–50 | ||
| 16 | The Householder | Matthew 13:52 | ||
| 17 | The Lost Sheep | Matthew 18:12–14 | Luke 15:3–7 | |
| 18 | The Master and Servant | Luke 17:7–10 | ||
| 19 | The Unforgiving Servant | Matthew 18:23–35 | ||
| 20 | The Good Samaritan | Luke 10:30–37 | ||
| 21 | The Friend at Night | Luke 11:5–13 | ||
| 22 | The Wedding Feast | Luke 14:7–14 | ||
| 23 | The Great Banquet | Luke 14:16–24 | ||
| 24 | The Tower | Luke 14:28–33 | ||
| 25 | The Lost Coin | Luke 15:8–10 | ||
| 26 | The Prodigal Son | Luke 15:11–32 | ||
| 27 | The Unjust Steward | Luke 16:1–13 | ||
| 28 | The Rich Man and Lazarus | Luke 16:19–31 | ||
| 29 | The Workers In the Vineyard | Matthew 20:1–16 | ||
| 30 | The Persistent Widow | Luke 18:1–8 | ||
| 31 | The Pharisee and the Tax Collector | Luke 18:9–14 | ||
| 32 | The Two Sons | Matthew 21:28–32 | ||
| 33 | The Tenants | Matthew 21:33–44 | Mark 12:1–11 | Luke 20:9–18 |
| 34 | The Wedding Banquet | Matthew 22:1–14 | ||
| 35 | The Fig Tree | Matthew 24:32–35 | Mark 13:28–31 | Luke 21:29–33 |
| 36 | The Ten Virgins | Matthew 25:1–13 | ||
| 37 | The Talents | Matthew 25:14–30 | Luke 19:12–27 | |
| 38 | The Sheep and Goats | Matthew 25:31–46 |
There are no restrictions on team size, tool use, etc. Please use your judgement, but in general, you are allowed to do whatever it takes to get a game made!
No NSFW content, please.
Everyone is welcome to participate regardless of your beliefs. If you are willing to spend some time with the Parables of Jesus, then you are welcome to join. I will keep an eye on the community, no hate speech, etc. is allowed.