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We're absolutely thrilled to announce the winners of the University of Southern California's Online High School Game Jam!

The level of creativity, ingenuity, and dedication that has gone into each game is truly remarkable. We'd like to extend our deepest thanks to all participants - you all demonstrated an impressive range of skills and creativity.

Without further ado, let's celebrate our winners!

🏆 First Place goes to Gnomestead by StoryCraft. Gnomestead is an imaginative farming sim with a unique twist, truly embracing our theme of "Embracing the Unknown". Your game stood out with its innovative mechanics, charming visuals, and engaging gameplay. StoryCraft, you've truly shown a mastery of game development and storytelling. Congratulations, and enjoy your $100 USC online store gift card!

🏆 Second Place is awarded to Feather by Alexalsohere. Feather charmed us all with its heartfelt tale of a little bird trying to return to its mother. Your game beautifully demonstrated how narrative and gameplay can intertwine to create a truly memorable experience. Well done, Alexalsohere, and enjoy your $50 USC online store gift card!

🏆 Runner-Ups are Astray by sonos, Slide3D by Astok, and The Night Embrace by fweamy. Each of you showcased exceptional creativity, technical execution, and adherence to the theme. Congratulations, and each of you will receive a $25 USC online store gift card!

We want to again congratulate all our participants. You've pushed your boundaries, learned new skills, and created something truly unique. Whether or not you've won a prize, you've all achieved something remarkable by bringing your game ideas to life.

Thank you all for being a part of the USC Online High School Game Jam. We can't wait to see what you'll create next time!

Hello, Itch.io Community!

We're excited to announce that the University of Southern California's Online High School Game Jam is now in full swing, and we couldn't be happier to see so many talented young game designers participating! The theme for this year's game jam is Embracing the Unknown.

This theme is all about pushing your creative boundaries, venturing into uncharted territories, and facing the unknown with courage and curiosity. We encourage you to explore new concepts, experiment with unconventional gameplay mechanics, and tell captivating stories that challenge players to confront the unfamiliar.

As you embark on this game development journey, remember that the most important aspects of this game jam are to learn, have fun, and embrace the process. We understand that creating a game within a limited timeframe can be challenging, and we want to remind you that it's perfectly fine to submit an unfinished or work-in-progress game at the end of the jam. The key is to challenge yourself, grow as a game developer, and have a great time doing it!

While working on your game, don't hesitate to ask for help, share your progress, and connect with fellow participants through the designated channels on Itch.io. We're here to support you and can't wait to play the incredible games you create.

So, get ready to dive into the unknown, learn, have fun, and create something extraordinary! Remember, no matter the outcome, the experience you gain during this game jam is invaluable. Good luck, and happy jamming!

The USC Games Team

Hi! You found a typo in our Rules, and we’ve updated them: 

• All game assets (apart from those that are publicly available online) must be created within seven days from April 16 at 12 pm PST to April 30, 6pm PST.  Pre-planning and brainstorming is allowed before April 16.

Meaning that you do not have to use premade assets when the Game Jam starts. Thanks for catching that!

What’s a game jam?

A game jam is a competition where participants create a video game in a limited time frame, often with a theme or constraint.

What is this game jam?

This game jam is a one week long online event open to high school students. The goal is to create a functional game while learning something new in game design. Participants can enter solo or with a team.

Who can join?

High school and transfer students are welcome to join and create a game. Both beginners and experienced game developers are encouraged to participate and learn something new.

What if I don't finish or my game is not good?

No worries! The goal is to learn and improve in game design. We encourage you to submit your work regardless of the outcome.

How do I sign up?

Sign up by clicking the "Join" button on the jam's official blog, which will redirect you to the jam's itch.io page.

Can I work with friends on a team?

Yes, working with friends in teams is allowed and can be a fun experience. One team member must be designated the team leader who is responsible for interaction with Itch.io and USC Games.

Do all team members need submit a game?

All team members must register for the jam, but only one game can be submitted.

Can I start working before the jam starts?

Yes, you can brainstorm, plan, and outline before the jam. However, actual game assets must be created within the jam's time frame. And remember, you won't know the game jam theme until April 16th.

Is there a limit for team size?

Teams are limited to no more than five people per team.

Can I make a tabletop, card, or analog game?

No, not this time but perhaps in a future USC Game Jam. 

Can I use premade assets?

Yes, but please give proper credits and provide links to any premade assets you use.