Welcome to Nexus Commons Game Jam!
This game jam accepts all types of games, including:
- PC/Mac/Linux builds (downloadable)
- HTML5 games (playable in browser)
- Roblox experiences (must provide a playable link and instructions)
- Fortnite Creative / UEFN maps (must provide the island code and instructions)
Everyone is welcome — solo developers and teams!
Join the Discord
Join our Discord to:
- Find teammates
- Ask questions about submission rules
- Get feedback on your game
- Stay updated on announcements
Join the Discord here →
Prizes
Best Overall Games:
- 1st Place: $75 gift card
- 2nd Place: $50 gift card
- 3rd Place: $25 gift card
Special Categories (each $25):
- Best Jewish Infusion (light cultural or thematic elements)
- Best Lore/Story
- Community Favorite (voted by community)
This jam includes a set of optional bonus tasks with extra rewards. There are five tasks in total you can choose from. The top 3 bonus task implementations will receive $25 (one win per entry)
Join the discord to see the bonus tasks and be eligible for this category
We are supporting all common gift-cards (Steam, ROBLOX, Fortnite, Amazon, etc), or Cash Payment via PayPal.
Theme: ✨Light That Spreads✨
This theme is about small lights that refuse to stay small. One tiny flame, one act of courage, one moment of hope that passes from person to person until it changes the whole space.
Inspired by Hanukkah and by the ner tamid, the eternal light in many synagogues, this jam invites you to play with the idea that light, hope, or courage are meant to be shared, not hidden. In Jewish language this touches pirsumei nisa, making miracles and goodness visible in the world instead of keeping them private.
You can take it in any direction that speaks to you
🔵 Games where one lit object can ignite others, turning chains of light into paths, bridges, or defenses
🔵 Worlds that begin with one fragile resource that grows stronger every time you share it instead of hoard it
🔵 Stories where characters keep choosing to add one more light each day even when they are tired, and those choices reshape a community
🔵 Visuals where darkness slowly fills with points of light in windows, streets, or sky as you play
Example game ideas
💡 A puzzle game where you guide a single spark through a city of unlit lamps. Each lamp you light stays on and sends beams in new directions, letting you reach hidden corners and forgotten people.
💡 A resource game where your neighborhood has barely enough oil or power for tonight. You decide how much to put into public light, how much to save, and how much to share with others. Generous choices change how your neighbors show up on the next night.
💡 A narrative adventure told through windows in an apartment building. Each scene shows how one act of kindness or bravery lights up the next person until the whole building glows.
💡 A co op game where players can pass light between them. You can only survive the hardest areas by timing when to hand your flame to a friend so both of you make it through.
Let your light travel. Let it change more than you thought it could.
Judging Criteria (40 points total)
🎯 Theme Incorporation (10 pts)
- How well does the game embrace and reflect the jam’s theme?
- Is the theme central to the design, story, or gameplay?
- Is the interpretation creative or unique?
🌟 Uniqueness & Creativity (10 pts)
- How original is the concept or execution?
- Does it offer something different from common game ideas?
- Are the visuals, mechanics, or narrative refreshing?
🎮 Gameplay & Mechanics (10 pts)
- How solid and enjoyable is the gameplay experience?
- Are the controls responsive and intuitive?
- Is the game loop satisfying?
- Are there minimal bugs or issues?
📖 Story / Worldbuilding (10 pts)
- How immersive or meaningful is the game’s narrative or setting?
- Is there a clear or engaging story (even minimal)?
- Does the atmosphere, tone, or lore add to the experience?
Jam Rules
1. Development Guidelines
- Start your game after the theme drops.
- You may reuse assets, code, or tools, but your core game must be created during the jam period.
- Teams of up to 4 people are allowed (solo devs welcome).
- No AI-generated art, music, writing, or other media.
- No NSFW, hateful, plagiarized, or illegal content.
- Follow good sportsmanship practices — be respectful and fair.
- All engines and formats are welcome, including Roblox, Fortnite Creative/UEFN, PC, Mac, HTML5, and others.
2. Submission Formats
You can submit games in any format, including:
- PC/Mac/Linux builds (upload your executable)
- HTML5 games (playable in browser)
- Roblox experiences (must include a playable link and instructions to join)
- Fortnite Creative / UEFN maps (must include the island code and any special joining instructions)
If your game is not downloadable or browser-based, you must provide a working link or code and any necessary instructions so judges can access and play it.
How to Submit (Roblox & Fortnite)
- Roblox: Publish your experience, make sure it’s public, then include the experience link in your submission along with any joining instructions (e.g., controls, group requirements).
- Fortnite Creative / UEFN: Publish your island, make sure it’s public, and include the island code in your submission along with any extra instructions (party size, controls).
- For other formats, upload your build or provide a browser-playable version as normal.