What is a Game Jam?
A game jam is an optional event where participants have a set amount of time to create a game, usually with some sort of theme! Game jams can include many different types of games- including video games, table top games, and everything in between.
Game jams aren’t about polished final products, but rather a chance to make something- even if it is something incomplete or rough, or you don’t end up submitting anything to the game jam, it’s a win if you tried.
Anyone can participate in game jams- they’re for all people, from those who want to make their first game to those who have many before.
How does this work?
The Neurodiversity Pride Game Jam will be a week-long game jam. It doesn’t mean you need to spend every single second working on the game- you’re human with a life first!
We use two main applications: Discord and Itch.io!
Discord is a texting platform that can be accessed within browser or in a separate downloadable application! You can join communities based off certain interests.
Itch.io is a website that hosts games, game assets, zines, and game jams! Our game jam will be on there too and is where you can upload your game to join in!
You can work on the game by yourself, with your friends, and/or join the game jam discord to connect with others to work with. The game jam page on itch.io is where you can find out more information of the event and where people can submit their games when the jam is running.
Before the start of the game jam you can join us on the discord to get to know each other, and participate in small community events such as workshops and/or panels and discussions! There are areas to get to know teammates, chat, or put out ideas for others to help build off of.
Click the links below for our specific discord server and itch.io page!
To start the game jam, we will be hosting a small ceremony to kick it off on twitch, that way anyone can tune in and celebrate. It will be recorded and uploaded, so don’t worry if you miss it!
During the game jam there will be smaller events to check in and make sure everyone is having a good time on the discord. There’s also the opportunity to converse with mentors and those who have done game jams before and seek some help with your work if needed, whether it be art related help, using certain game engines, or even uploading to itch.io!
When the jam is done we will be celebrating with a final stream featuring the games that were made during the game jam, as a way to document, showcase and celebrate the games made this year!
There are no prizes offered for making a game in the ND pride game jam, just a celebration of who we are. It’s not a competition- no pressure to compete with other people. One of the big parts of this is the fact that you can even start working on your game before the start date- because of there being no competition we’re not as strict on starting early, as long as you make something you’re happy with!
Who can participate?
Anyone who identifies as Neurodivergent and Non-Neurodivergent allies can participate regardless of skill. We do not require any explicit documentation of one’s neurodiversity- receiving documentation can be a hard, exposing and expensive process.
A fair warning- to those who are neurodivergent and don’t want their identity exposed, being in this game jam and tying their accounts to the game they submit here may imply that you are neurodivergent. Exercise caution if publicly identifying as neurodivergent is not your intention!
