Zombie Girl Game Jam, the game jam where you make zombie girl-themed games!
This jam is an unofficial spinoff of Magical Girl Game Jam. It shares much of the same DNA, so if you are not already familiar it would help if you would get familiar with the rules and spirit of MGGJ. Some rules and aspects are different though.
This is a lighthearted, half-joking jam, so you are free to take it as seriously as you want, or just make a joke entry if you prefer. You are not expected to spend 30 days making the best game - plan for however much time fits in your schedule, and give yourself time to rest!
Why zombies?
This jam was made to celebrate zombies and zombie girls. Far from being just a niche genre of B-movie horror, zombie stories transcend genre, offering both tragedy and comedy, and encompassing some of the most important parts of our humanity.
For thousands of years, death and resurrection has fascinated storytellers. People have long asked: What if death is not the end? What if you could bring someone back? Would they still be the same person? What does life and death really mean? Through ancient legends and folklore, through the origin of the word "Zombie" in Vodou mythology, through novels and horror movies in the 20th century, this concept has evolved, mutated, and even infected popular culture.
Now it's your turn to create your very own unique zombie girl game. I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Optional themes:
- unexpectedly wholesome
- reborn
- elf
These will not influence ratings and are there to give you inspiration. The only mandatory theme is zombie girl.
Rules
1. Your game must include a zombie girl. (see definitions in the following section) Your game should be made with this jam in mind, though submitting the same game to multiple jams is allowed as long as you follow all the rules.
2. The majority of your game must be made within the submission period. Assets you did not make yourself must be credited and properly licensed.
3. Any discriminatory or hateful conduct will not be tolerated. This applies to your submissions as well, although I want to stress that depiction is not the same as endorsement. For example, you're free to make a game that explores transphobia as a theme, but you're not allowed to use the game as a vehicle for a transphobic agenda.
4. Some mature content is allowed. Games with explicit sexual content or extreme subject matter must be tagged appropriately, both in itch's settings (Edit game > Metadata > Classification > Audience & content) and in the title (e.g. [18+] Game Name Here). Also note what itch has to say about adult content. Tagging your game 18+ does not give you freedom to do whatever you want, please be responsible. Games that are clearly just porn or only intended to shock the player will get removed.
5. This jam currently does not allow any content made by generative AI. Traditional procedural generation systems and non-generative AI tools (e.g. noise removal) ARE allowed.
6. If possible, your game should be playable inside the browser. If this is not practical, provide at least Windows and Linux desktop builds.
7. Have fun!
Zombie girl?
As this is not one of the more established genres, we are going with this definition:
As long as your game has at least one character which is both "zombie" and "girl" it's OK.
Zombie = any being which is undead, formerly alive, has been reanimated, or is otherwise identifiable as a zombie
Girl = any person that identifies as female
So as long as there's a character that fulfils that definition in your game, you're good!
However if you want to stick to a stricter definition of what constitutes a zombie girl, you are free to do so!
Genre references
Here are some example media works you can use for inspiration:
Sankarea (2012 anime)
Sankarea is about a boy who loves zombies and a girl who is turned into one. The writing is really captivating, I strongly recommend it.
Zombieland Saga (2018 anime)
An idol group, except all the members are zombies? This is one comedic take on zombie girls you don't wanna miss out on.
Warm Bodies (2013 film)
This time, the boy is the zombie. Haven't watched it myself yet.
FAQ
Q. Do you allow late submissions?
Yes, in the case of emergency. If you are late because of your own fault, a coin flip will decide your fate.
Q. Is there some kind of prize for winning?
No, but I'll kick your ass for free if you win.
Q. What are the rating criteria?
Zombie girl concept, Gameplay experience, Sound and music, Visuals, and Wow factor & Presentation.
今日あって明日ない身。
MMXXIV
Mors stupebit et natura
cum resurget creatura
iudicanti responsura