HighCoast Game Jam

2 dec - 8 dec

2 0 2 4

Unleash your creativity, forge epic adventures, and level up your game development skills in our electrifying Game Jam!

Submit your entry on Itch.io Learn more...

Challenges

Compete for the best game

Get ready for the heart of the game jam! In the Best Game competition, our panel of judges will decide the winner. The judges will evaluate each entry based on these criteria to determine the best overall game.

Gameplay: The essence of a great game lies in its gameplay. Judges will assess how well each game delivers an engaging and enjoyable player experience, from mechanics to interactivity.
Graphics: Visuals are a key part of the gaming experience. Which game has the most stunning and captivating graphics that transport you to another world?
Audio: Immerse yourself in the world of sound. Judges will evaluate the game with the most harmonious and captivating audio, whether it's through music, sound effects, or voice acting.
Accessibility: Games should be for everyone. Which game excels in making its experience accessible to players of all backgrounds and abilities?
Theme: Assess how well the game interprets and integrates the theme of the jam. Judges will select the game that best embodies the spirit of the challenge, capturing this year's theme in creative and meaningful ways. Find this years theme here

The judges' choice

In the Judges' Choice, our panel of judges will evaluate the submissions against specific categories. Each challenge spotlights distinct categories of creativity and excellence, presenting a unique criterion that must be meet to impress the judges.

Revolutionary Game: Are you a pioneer in game development? Enter the Best New Innovation challenge and demonstrate how you're pushing the boundaries of technology and design. Show us your groundbreaking mechanics, interfaces, or features that will revolutionize the gaming world.
Games for Good: Join the Games with Purpose challenge to create games that make a positive impact on society. Your mission is to craft games that inspire change, educate, or raise awareness on important issues. Game development with a purpose - be the catalyst for positive change.
Harmonious Melodies: Dive into the Harmonious Melodies challenge and create game music that resonates with players' hearts and elevates their gaming experience. Whether it's catchy tunes, atmospheric compositions, or immersive soundscapes, let your musical prowess shine as you compose the perfect sound.
Visually Stunning: In the Visually Stunning challenge, you have the opportunity to showcase your artistic talents by creating captivating visuals that leave players in awe. From pixel art to high-definition graphics, demonstrate your mastery of design. Your graphics will be the visual feast that players won't forget.

Submit your entry on Itch.io

Frequently asked questions

Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by joining our discord

: The game jam begins on Monday 2/12 and runs until Sunday 8/12. The event is virtual. Could be that we will try and gather on site. Follow our discord channel for more info.
: This year we will test and only let the judges decide the winners in each category.
: By joining our game jam on Itch.io and upload your game there
: Yes, a theme will be announced at the start of the game jam. Participants are encouraged to create games based on or inspired by this theme.
: You can participate as an individual developer or form a team, depending on your preference. Max team size 2. Remember to add collaborators to your game on Itch.
: You can easily connect with potential team members by joining our Discord channel. It's the perfect place to meet like-minded participants, discuss your ideas, and build your dream team. Don't hesitate to introduce yourself and let others know you're on the hunt for talented collaborators. Team up, make magic, and bring your game to life!
: To register for the game jam, simply visit Itch and create an account. Once you have an account, you can easily join our High Coast Game Jam and start your creative journey.
: Absolutely! We're thrilled to reward outstanding creations. However, to ensure a competitive field, prizes will be awarded only if we receive a minimum of 10 entries. So, gather your creative friends, build amazing games, and let's hit that 10-entry mark to unlock the prize pool!
: You are allowed to use existing code or assets as long as they are properly credited and do not violate any copyright or licensing agreements.
: Absolutely! You're welcome to leverage AI, including tools like ChatGPT, as an assistant in your game development process. However, keep in mind that the primary creation and development should come from the participants themselves. Using AI as a supplementary tool for generating ideas, assisting in dialogue creation, or enhancing certain aspects of your game is allowed. However, relying solely on AI to generate the entire game without significant human input goes against the spirit of the game jam. In essence, AI should complement your creativity, not replace it entirely. Embrace the challenge, infuse your unique ideas, and let the AI be a supportive element in your game-making journey.
: While we encourage participants to complete their games within the given timeframe, we understand that challenges may arise. If you can't finish on time, you can still submit your work in progress, and you'll receive feedback and insights from the community.
: No, how you make your game is up to you. As long as the judges can follow a set of instructions to test the game and is following the requirements for uploading to Itch. Recommend that it can be tested on both windows and mac.
: Join our communication channel on Discord to stay updated and connect with fellow participants. Regular announcements and updates will also be posted there.

HighCoast Game Jam

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Challenges

Frequently asked questions