Ostara: Games for Spring 2021

Global Game Jam 2021 kicked off with a record number of games created in January, and we wanted to give budding game designers another opportunity to blossom this Spring. The UNO Criss Library Creative Production Lab and RHO Interactive are back with the 2nd annual "Ostara: Games for Spring" game jam. As always, we are 100% FREE, and this year we are 100% ONLINE.

Ostra is entirely online and active for 10 days, giving everyone plenty of time to test the waters of design. With the move to an entirely online format, digital contact and the ability to upload your games for sharing are extra important. We've pushed the whole event to itch.io to allow developers from around the world to work remotely alongside local devs and students.

New to game dev or jams? During our jam events we announce a conceptual theme at the beginning of the event, and all participants have the same amount of time to make a brand new game based on that theme by the deadline. Developers are free to make any kind of game or experience they want, and have made everything from board and card games, text adventures, playground games, 2D and 3D video games, all the way up to unique virtual reality experiences.

While GGJ was focused on ramping up digital development skills for the new year, Ostara focuses on lighter faire and game-like experiences. Last year's theme was literally a symphony, and we've since turned our thematic focus towards new experiences, experimental dev, and a focus on art as play.

The secret theme is announced Saturda, April 10 on Discord, itch.io, and YouTube. Everyone is given a full week of work time. On Sunday, April 18, everyone is given an opportunity to present their work live via Zoom. All games are posted online for the world to play after submission. This is the perfect format for new developers to get into the game jam format, or folks that just want a bit more time to polish their work.

Signups are live on our itch.io page!

Everyone is encouraged to interact with the community of devs and participants. Interested in forming a new team, asking questions, or getting tips ahead of the jam? Join our Discord server!

We welcome first time game developers. Designers, artists, musicians, programmers, voice actors, hobbyists, educators, anyone and everyone is welcome to try their hand at making a game. Participants should have anything needed to make your own video or physical game. If video games aren't your thing or access to hardware is an issue, you're encouraged to test the waters by making a board game! To help everyone have remote access to creative software, CPL staff have compiled a list of open-source options HERE.

Anyone can participate, as long as they are over the age of 18. More information about rules, guidance, and our inclusivity policy can be found at insertgamehere.org

Everyone is encouraged to register online via itch.io, here.

Join the Discord server: https://discord.gg/Wg7jxKQ

For specific requests, email Charles Fisher.