1) Can the 4 menu buttons be used in the case that that they are used for emulated Nokia menu navigation and not for gameplay systems?
Yes.
2) May the "whitespace" that the 3310 had bordering the LCD screen be included in the game, assuming that it is not utilized as part of the display area?
Yes, even if you want to include a whole graphic of the phone around the display area that is totally fine. Also if you want to use the mouse to physically click the buttons on the screen that would be okay as well.
3) Are sounds emulating the dull click of pressing the phones buttons allowed?
Anything you want to do, as long as you're trying to emulate the phone is fine.
4) Is accuracy to the phone's operating system necessary in cases where the Nokia's menus and such are represented?
No, but if you want to try to emulate the original phone I would say get as close as you can
Overall I love your idea and I am excited to see it!
Generally we strongly recommend only using the sounds in Nokia Jam Resources as that clears confusion around what is allowed and not. As long as your sounds are close to what the original 3310 could produce it won't be removed or disqualified. You can use this video to get an a general idea of what it should sound like.
Unfortunately all work needs to be done within the given time constraints. There are ways you can set yourself up for success, like building a template for the restrictions within the engine you're using. See the Resources page for an idea of what you can do and what assets you are given to work with.
Welcome! You can only pick one of the palettes. Your game can only be two colors. If you would like you can include a palette swapper as a game setting.
If you have any questions about the rules of the jam that are not answered below feel free to ask them in this thread and I will get back to you as soon as I can!
When can I start working on my game?
Your game, including all assets outside of the resource page, should be made within the jam’s duration.
Does my game have to run on a real Nokia 3310?
Nope! We're just using the restrictions as a design space.
Can I make my own engine?
Yes! Many participants have done this. Feel free to make the framework before the jam begins. Just make sure it doesn’t put you ahead of other people using pre-made engines.
How do I make my game as accurate as possible to the Nokia 3310?
None of the following is necessary to submit a game and it won’t improve your score. This is for those who want to go the extra mile. Game fps should be 15. Ensure you are not using more "modern technology" like physics engines, 3d graphics, etc. The simpler the better. You could simulate the LCD's ghosting. The Nokia 3310’s screen also did not use perfectly square pixels. Each pixel was likely a 3:4 / 7:9 ratio.
The Nokia 3310 was incapable of sub-pixel movement and sub-pixel scrolling so it is NOT allowed. This means all pixels must be perfectly aligned with the pixel grid. There should be no half-pixels even while moving. The ultimate challenge would be to get your game running on a real Nokia 3310!
Only 12 controls are allowed but the Nokia 3310 has 16 buttons.
The jam excludes the 4 menu buttons as they were usually used to navigate menu's and not play the actual game.
Can I mix and match the three color palettes?
No. You should be selecting one option and making your whole game with your selection. Palette swapping is allowed if it is an option/setting and not part of gameplay.
No it is not. Either you scaled up the game incorrectly or your camera is showing way too much. Recreating a scene from your game in true 84x48 resolution shows what it should look like vs what you have. It is also shown through your character moving fractions of pixels.
This submission has been disqualified from being ranked due to violating the resolution rules. Main character moves at fractions of pixels indicating that the game was not scaled up correctly to retain 84x48 pixel resolution.
Next time, if you need help ensuring your game stays within the rules there are many talented devs on our Discord that could help you out! Congrats on making a game :)
This submission has been disqualified from being ranked due to violating the resolution rules. Main character moves at fractions of pixels indicating that the game was not scaled up correctly to retain 84x48 pixel resolution.
Next time, if you need help ensuring your game stays within the rules there are many talented devs on our Discord that could help you out! Congrats on making a game :)
This game has been disqualified from being ranked due to not following the resolution rule. Start screen text and GUI do not follow the 84x48 pixel resolution requirement.
This game has been disqualified from being ranked for violating the resolution rule. Text at the top of the screen is breaking the 84x48 resolution restrictions.
This entry has been disqualified from being ranked due to violation of the resolution rules. While the actual game itself is restricted to the correct resolution, you deliver important instructions for the game outside of the required resolution. For that reason it is disqualified from being ranked. Awesome submission though!
I am unfamiliar with Godot but yes you should build the game in 84x48 and scale it up to a viewable resolution. You should also ensure that your ui is scaling at the same ratio as the rest of the game. There has been some discussion in the discord concerning optimal Godot settings for this low of resolution so that may be worth checking out :)
This entry has been disqualified from being ranked due to not following the resolution rule, having more than two colors, and not following the audio restrictions. Specifically the ui elements do not follow the correct resolution, the lightning bolts and text have different colors from the rest of the game and the music does not follow the one monophonic audio rule.
This entry has been disqualified from being ranked due to not following the 84x48 resolution rule. Specifically all your text and game space do not meet this requirement.
This submission has been disqualified from rating for violation of the resolution rule. Opening instructions and ui elements are clearly not 84x48 pixels.
No. The only thing I allow is if people ran into technical difficulties trying to upload the game and my cut off for that is about 30 minutes after end time.
Yes you could have those control mappings. Different mappings doesn't count towards the control rule. I am not familiar with GODOT but as long as those effects are within the restrictions of the jam, then yes.
