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Thanks for reaching out and gathering thoughts on the jam

1. While the exact deadline isn't a huge concern for me, having at least two weekends included in the submission period is ideal. I believe many participants, including myself, only weekends to properly do focused development.

2. I agree that the frequency of game jams is important, but it's more crucial to choose dates that align well with the community's availability and major events or jams. AKA: to have a "Jam calendar" in advance. Personally, my time to participate in game jams is a bit limited, so I'm not sure I would be able to join every 3 months.

3. I really appreciate having a prize as an incentive. Especially because it can work as a way to bring the best game(s) to Steam as a free game (paying the 100$ fee). The ideal solution would be to find a sponsor who would be interested in putting their brand forward for a few bucks.

4. Awesome, I'm eager to see the judging stream!

(+1)

I agree with Zizaco on these points! 

I would not be able to participate as frequently as every 3 months, and I believe engagement would be higher if it was less frequent.

The monetary prize is a great incentive for new indie devs looking for opportunities to get their games on steam. Finding a sponsor for the monetary prize would be the best solution all around. I am not opposed to a small entry fee for the jams if necessary, but I worry it would prevent many people from joining the jam.

I will also echo most of what Zizaco says. I think some of us are trying to schedule a year or 6 months of a jam "circuit" to test ourselves and level up, but also refined ideas that could be put up on Steam or other ways for us as developers to grow too. 

Although I agreed with the sponsor being the best approach, an alternative suggestion is to charge for the submission not joining.. and split the pot for the top 3 if it's large enough, and you take some % cut something like a fighting game tournament would do. Idea image You could create some interesting content around it but anyway...  a monetary incentive could help develop the community as well as give some "skin in the game". Just keep in mind that you will also start to attract some bad actors.

Thanks for your content and for putting on this jam