Game Requirements | Game Jam Toronto Indie Independent

Game Requirements

The Game MUST ...

... be INTERACTIVE! No screen savers or cool graphic demos. We're looking for something people can download and play with. It does not have to be a traditional game. i.e. Art games, Web toys, Simulations are all welcome, as long as they are interactive.
... relate to the theme in some way.
... incorporate the required images & sound.
... be designed BEFORE you arrive. You won't have time at the jam, and inspiration rarely strikes at the last minute.
... be playable on a Windows PC using a keyboard. We want the public to be be able to download and play your game. Since most people have Windows, we're asking for Windows.
... ensure the ESCape key closes/terminates the game. Players MUST be able to exit your game without hanging.
... credit everyone that was involved in making the game - including the floaters. Ideally, the names will be displayed in the game itself. Failing that, the names will be listed in an accompanying readme.txt.
... be small and focused. Do not be ambitious - you've only got 3 days. Don't think WarioWare - think 1 game in WarioWare.
... use technology you're familiar with. That way you have a chance of producing something decent. If you plan on using a new language, try to learn as much as possible before the event.

The Game SHOULD ...

... have a title screen. Unless that ruins the experience you're planning.
... have clear goals. Assuming your game has goals of course.
... provide instructions in game, or in an accompanying readme.txt. If the instructions are basic (i.e. use arrow keys), or self-explanatory, this isn't necessary.
... be easy to figure out. People that download your game won't spend a lot of time figuring out what to do. As long as most players can deduce what to do, we're happy.
... avoid changing resolution. Small games should not need to do that, and it bothers the player. If changing resolutions is unavoidable, the game MUST change it back when exiting.
... not be unreasonably hard, and should gradually get harder. Some previous TOJam games got hard so fast, that no human could pass Level 3. If you're going to have multiple levels, ensure they are playable - otherwise stick to one great level.
... have music. As Guitar Hero has proven, it can also elevate a simple game into a near religious experience. If you're not teaming up with a musician or music floater, start looking for music before the jam. Thanks to creative commons, there are lots of options.
... provide 15 minutes of entertainment to those willing to try it.
... be funny, unique, memorable, stylish, disturbing, original, emotional, bizarre, touching, outlandish, soothing, exciting! Avoid making a clone. See Game Philosophy.
... feed the poor, heal the sick, and comfort the lonely.