WASTELAND MICRO JAM — FAQ (Extended)
• What is the Wasteland Micro Jam?
A short-format, post-apocalyptic game jam where participants create a small game or experience inspired by wastelands, STALKER, Metro, Mad Max, and decaying Exclusion Zones. The jam focuses on atmosphere, creativity, and minimal but impactful gameplay.
• Do I have to follow the post-apocalyptic theme?
Yes. Your project must clearly feel connected to wasteland, nuclear ruins, abandoned sectors, toxic fog, bunker survival, or anything recognizably post-apocalyptic.
• What are the Special Items?
You may (optionally) choose ONE item to integrate meaningfully into your game:
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Gasmask — filtration, toxic air, survival HUD, claustrophobia.
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Torch — flickering light, batteries, darkness, limited visibility.
Using a Special Item grants extra points during voting, but it’s not mandatory.
• Do I have to use radiation as well?
No. Radiation is part of the general mood of the jam, but the only optional voting bonus comes from Gasmask or Torch.
• How long should the game be?
Very short—“micro.” Anything between 1 and 20 minutes is perfectly fine.
• Are prototypes allowed?
Yes, as long as you add new, significant content during the jam. Purely old or pre-built games are not allowed.
• Are multiple submissions allowed?
No. Only one submission per participant or team.
• Can I join as a team?
Yes. Teams of any size are allowed.
• Can I join solo?
Absolutely.
• Are any game engines allowed?
Yes. Use whatever you want: Godot, Unity, Unreal, GameMaker, RPG Maker, Twine, Ren’Py, Construct, Phaser, PICO-8, HTML/JS, Terminal Micro Engine, etc.
• Can I make a text-only or terminal-based game?
Yes! Atmosphere is what matters.
• Can I use AI-generated assets?
Yes, as long as:
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They do not violate licensing of the AI tool.
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You own the rights to use them in your game.
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You clearly credit that AI-generated content was used.
If you're planning to use AI in your game, please read this first: https://itch.freezing.top/jam/wasteland-jam-01/topic/5587992/ai-usage-rules
• Can I use premade assets?
Yes, if:
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You have the right to use them.
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You credit them properly.
• Are NSFW games allowed?
No. Sexual content or explicit adult content is not allowed.
Violence, horror, psychological tension are allowed (and expected), but avoid gore for gore’s sake.
• Can I upload my game after the deadline?
No. Submissions close automatically.
• Can I update my game after submitting it?
Yes, you can update your submission until the jam ends. After the deadline, updates are locked.
• How does judging work?
Voting is community-based. Participants will rate games based on:
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Atmosphere (wasteland feel, immersion)
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Creativity (ideas, originality, execution)
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Graphics & Audio (cohesion, mood, consistency)
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Gameplay / Story (even short experiences can shine)
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Special Item Integration (Gasmask or Torch)
• Do I need to implement both items?
No. Only choose one if you want the bonus, or ignore them entirely.
• What about copyrighted content?
Do not use copyrighted characters, music, logos, or branded assets unless you have permission.
• Can I use third-party SFX/Music?
Yes. Just credit them.
• Do I need to credit the jam?
Not mandatory, but appreciated.
• What content is strictly forbidden?
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Hate speech, extremist ideology, political propaganda
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NSFW or sexual content
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Harassment or targeted content
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Racist or discriminatory themes
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Anything illegal or against itch.io rules
• What kind of prizes does this jam offer?
The winner(s) receive:
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Static VHS SFX Pack
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Fear The Darkness: Horror SFX Pack Vol. 1
Both crafted for atmospheric games, radiation ambience, VHS distortion, horror, and environmental tension.
• How many winners are selected?
The jam typically awards 1 main winner, but honorable mentions may be added depending on participation.
• How do I upload my game?
Just create your itch.io project page, then click Submit Game on the jam’s page.
HTML5 games must be set to “This file will be played in the browser”.
• Is there a theme reveal or secret twist?
No secret theme. The mood is always wasteland, and the only “twist” is the optional Special Item.
• I’ve never made a game before. Can I participate?
YES. Micro jams are perfect for beginners: small scope, focused atmosphere, short dev time.
• Is there a time limit for gameplay?
No hard rule, but shorter is better. 1–10 minutes is ideal, 20 max.
• Does my game need a story?
No, but a minimal narrative or environmental storytelling often improves atmosphere.
• Can I make a mod instead of a standalone game?
Yes, as long as the mod is new content you developed during the jam and is playable.
• Can I ask for feedback during the jam?
Yes. The community forum is made for that
• Will streaming or devlogs be allowed?
Absolutely. Share your work anywhere you want.
• Can I start brainstorming before the jam begins?
Yes. You just can’t produce content until the jam officially starts.
• What kind of tone is recommended?
Anything inside the wasteland mood:
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eerie
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decayed
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lonely
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oppressive
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mysterious
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radioactive
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dusty / rusty
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abandoned
Comedy is allowed, but keep the post-apocalyptic identity intact.
• Is there a preferred visual style?
No. Pixel art, PSX lowpoly, 2D, 3D, text-only, ASCII, FMV, glitch, everything is fine.
• Can I use copyrighted STALKER music?
No. Do NOT use licensed or copyrighted soundtrack.
• Do I have to register anywhere else?
No. Just click “Join Jam” on itch.io.