“Jam” is a reference to musicial jam sessions. Similarly, the goal with a “game jam” is to come together and make a videogame, or a non-digital (analog) game like a board game or card game. Most game jams take place over the course of a weekend—24 to 72 hours is a typical length for a game jam, and they can take place online or in person. “Heimat jam” is completely online and takes place over three days. Jams usually have a theme, may have team restrictions, and sometimes can include a competition with voting, but overall the idea is to create a functional game or prototype in a short length of time. Once the jam is over, all entries will be uploaded on our website.

This will be a purely online jam. If you want to participate, you need to register on this site. Don’t worry, you don’t have to give any more personal info than your e-mail address. You will then get an e-mail with all the details in time before the jam starts.

We will not accept any games that:

• have pornographic content
• glorify political violence or violence against specific groups of people
• are demeaning towards particular ethnic groups or portray them in a dehumanizing form
• have national socialist or other politically extremist content
• have any sort of illegal content

Of course, that can happen. But that’s okay. Even bad games are welcome and should still be submitted. Participants should have an “easy come, easy go” mentality: You’re only working on the game for a few days and, worst case scenario, you haven’t wasted any time. If it turns out well, you can continue working on the game and release it later in a finished form—if not, you’ve learned something either way!

That’s entirely up to you – desktop, browser, mobile, or even mods for existing games are allowed.

Here’s a list of texts and video tutorials with information about game jams:

• 10 Tips for a Game Jam
• Survival Guide
• 5 Game Jam Tips
• Game Jam Tips for Success!
• HOW TO GAME JAM!
• How to Quickly Get Ideas in Game Jams

Brainstorming, planning, and setting up tools before the jam is completely fine! However, the actual game content must be created within the time limit and, of course, the game must fit the theme.

The amount of time you invest in your game is entirely up to you, so yes. Keep in mind that the time is very limited, so keep the scope of the game proportional to the time you have available. If you’re very busy, don’t go for something big; even very small minigames are welcome!