Welcome to the Sim Jam #1 - Ecosystems, a game development event focused on the fascinating world of ecosystems! This jam challenges developers, artists, and storytellers to create engaging simulation games that explore the delicate balance of ecosystems—be it a bustling rainforest, a sprawling ocean, or even an imagined alien biome.

Whether you’re a seasoned developer or new to game design, this jam is your chance to craft interactive experiences that highlight the beauty, complexity, and fragility of the natural (or unnatural) world. Dive deep into ecological relationships, simulate species survival, or imagine how humans and nature coexist.

Theme

This theme is “Ecosystems: Balance and Interdependence.” Think about how elements like climate, species, resources, or external forces interact within a system. Your game could focus on managing a thriving food chain, overcoming invasive species, or simulating the collapse of an unstable environment. 

Simulation Focus

This jam encourages simulation-based games in a variety of forms:

• Passive Systems: Create a game where players observe an ecosystem evolve and change over time, with minimal or no intervention.
• Interactive Sandboxes: Allow players to actively modify and influence the balance of an ecosystem by adding, removing, or altering elements.
• Challenge-Driven Gameplay: Design scenarios where players must solve problems, restore equilibrium, or prevent collapse.

Whether your project is a meditative sandbox, a tense survival simulator, or a thought-provoking commentary on environmental issues, it’s all welcome here—as long as it stays true to the theme of ecosystems and simulation!

Rules:

Team Size

Solo or in teams.

Tools Allowed

Any engine or framework.

Submission Requirements

 A playable game (browser-based or downloadable). Include a brief description of how your game reflects the theme.

Assets

You can use any assets if you have the rights on it. AI-made assets are accepted if you hvae made them and are not made starting from a copyrighted data.

 Creativity, adherence to theme, gameplay experience, and presentation.

Keep the Game Content Clean

Avoid explicit, NSFW, or overly disturbing graphics and themes. Submissions should be appropriate for a general audience.

Use English for Game Content

All in-game content, including menus, instructions, and dialogue, must be in English.The game's title can be in any language, as long as it is appropriate.

Create During the Jam Period

Start working on your game only after the jam begins. Pre-made assets (art, audio, etc.) are allowed as long as they comply with copyright rules and are disclosed. AI assets are accepted as long as you have the right on them. Fully finished games created before the jam will not be accepted.

Games should be playable and include instructions where necessary.

Submissions that do not follow the rules may be disqualified or removed.

Judging Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following categories:

Adherence to Theme 

How well does the game reflect the theme of ecosystems?

Does it emphasize balance, interdependence, or the dynamics of ecological systems?

Does it fit the simulation genre as outlined in the jam description (e.g., sandbox, passive systems, or interactive challenges)?

Gameplay and Mechanics

Are the core mechanics well-designed and engaging?

Does the game provide meaningful interactions or observations (e.g., balancing, altering, or observing the ecosystem)?

Is there clarity in how the player influences—or is influenced by—the ecosystem?

Creativity and Originality

Is the concept fresh and unique?

Does the game explore ecosystems in innovative ways, such as unusual settings, systems, or gameplay perspectives?

Are there unexpected yet thoughtful elements in the simulation?

Visual and Audio Presentation

How well do the visuals and audio complement the game and enhance the experience?

Are the aesthetics cohesive and appropriate for the theme?

Is there attention to detail in how the ecosystem is represented?

Overall Experience

Is the game polished and free of major bugs?

Does it deliver an enjoyable or immersive experience?

Does the game leave a lasting impression or convey its message effectively?

Why Participate?

Learn and Experiment: Expand your game development skills in a creative and supportive environment.

Showcase Your Work: Share your game with the itch.io community and receive feedback.

Raise Awareness: Use your game to highlight ecological challenges and inspire sustainable thinking.

Prizes

The 3 best games will win a bundle of royaltly free assets related to the theme! A bundle of tiny and cute algae and bacteria sprites