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Jam length: what’s the sweet spot?

A topic by Luxodd Games created 99 days ago Views: 376 Replies: 5
Viewing posts 1 to 4

Hey folks, we’re new on itch and planning a small game jam.

Quick poll + reasons please (we’ll follow the majority):

How long should it run?

  • 48 hours

  • 72 hours

  • 7 days

  • 10 days

  • 14 days

  • Longer 


Tell us what works.

View the jam here

(+1)

As a working professional my time is already stretched thin as it is so often times the longer the better.

48-72 hour jams are fun, but they're too big a commitment for me most of the time and require well-in-advanced planning even though it's my preferred length. Typically though, the sweet spot is around 14 days (2 weeks) for me, as it allows me time to get in some coding through the evenings in the week, and a bit throughout the weekend.

I like that answer. Makes a ton of sense. 14 days to do it. What about to even discover it? There are allot of game jams. How long should it be posted before people see it?

(+1)

Personally, I don't find jams with duration longer than 4 days as small or short jam but that's my opinion.

Anyways, for small jam, 7 to 10 days duration sound good for me cause it gives me enough time to plan the game and prepare non-game stuffs aside of making the game, without pressing me too much.

(+1)

I also find the 7-10 day range ideal. While some shorter, 2-3 day jams have interesting themes, their weekend-only schedule can be limiting. Not everyone can or wants to dedicate their entire Saturday and Sunday to development. A longer jam is more inclusive, in my opinion, appealing to those who can only work on weekdays as well as those who prefer weekends.

(+1)

That's a really thoughtful take...we'd likely lean towards that for our next game jam. 
Appreciate you voicing that. 🙌