Overview:

Welcome to the Septagon Game Jam! This jam challenges you to design and develop a game within one week using any game engine you like. The unique twist? Every character, prop, and backdrop in your game must be constructed from seven-sided polygons—septagons.

The rules for the Septagon Game Jam are simple:

1. Use Only Septagons: All visual elements—characters, props, backgrounds—must be made from septagons (with some exceptions, See FAQ).

2. No Crude/NSFW Content: Keep your game content appropriate for all audiences.

3. Have Fun: Enjoy the creative process and make something you’re proud of!

Theme: TBA

Judging Criteria:

1. Theme: How well does your game interpret the theme?

2. Fun: Is the game enjoyable and engaging for players?

3. Design: How creative are the game’s mechanics, and how well do they deliver a fun and challenging gameplay experience?

4. Engineering: How solid is the technical execution, including coding, performance, and overall functionality?

5. Graphics: How effectively are septagons used in the visuals, and how polished does the game look?

6. Audio: How well does the sound design enhance the game and contribute to the overall experience?

7. Narrative: How successfully does the game tell a story or convey a theme through its gameplay, dialogue, or visuals?

Tips:

- Experiment with how septagons can shape your characters, environments, and even gameplay mechanics.

- Keep your idea focused and manageable within the week-long timeframe.

- Collaboration can help you push your ideas further, so consider teaming up.

You can connect with other Septagon jammers to team up or share your jam progress on the Discord Server.

FAQ:

Do all the elements in my submission need to be seven-sided?

Not everything in your submission needs to be seven-sided, although the majority of game objects should be composed of seven-sided polygons. There are a few exceptions to this rule that allow for more creative freedom:

• Text: You’re free to use any typeface and formatting for in-game text without worrying about adhering to the seven-sided rule. This applies to UI elements, dialogue, and any other text displayed within the game.
• Textures and Pixel Shading: While the primary shapes in your game must be septagons, you can include smaller, non-septagon shapes within those septagons as part of your textures or shading. For example, you might have a septagon with intricate designs inside it. As long as these designs are contained within the boundaries of the septagon, you're in the clear.
• Visual Effects: Effects like lighting, particles, and other visual enhancements are not bound by the seven-sided rule. This means you can use a variety of effects to enhance the look and feel of your game without worrying about keeping them septagonal.

Can I create a character using multiple septagons?

Yes, you can! Just make sure that if you’re using two or more septagons, there’s a clear division between each one. This could be done through empty space, a shadow, or some kind of border.

Any tool recommendations for creating game art with septagons?

Definitely! Inkscape is great for this because it lets you build custom polygons and adjust each vertex's position. GIMP is another solid, free option, though I find Inkscape easier to use.

How should I prepare for the jam?

Make sure your systems and tools are ready to go, especially if you're working solo. If you're teaming up, the best place to organize is on our Discord Server, but you can also connect through the Community board on this page. Once your team is set, decide on the tools you'll use (Game Engine, Version Control, Design Documentation, Image Editing, etc.). It’s a good idea to set up your game’s page on Itch.io early. Even if you’re not sure of the theme or game type, having the page ready will save you time and stress at the end of the jam.

Get Started:

Ready to bring your septagonal vision to life? The jam begins soon, so get your tools ready, brainstorm, and prepare to create something extraordinary!

Good luck, and happy jamming!