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The 4th Alberta Slow Jam is here! This is a relaxed 2 week jam with an emphasis on low pressure, no crunch game development. The jam will take place online from May 22 to June 5 (local times displayed above). Whether this is your 1st game or your 50th, game jams are a great way to meet, collaborate, and create with like minded folks.

Theme

The theme for ASJ #4 is SECOND HAND!

Event details

All communication for the jam will happen on our Discord. Though the jam is online, we'd love to create an environment that feels like an in-person game jam. We encourage you to socialize in the jam channels, team up with people from different cities, and show off your games in progress.

Diversifiers are optional challenges you can mix and match and work into your games if you choose. They will be posted closer to the jam.

There will be an optional feedback swap for people to exchange comments on each other's games! Signups will open after the jam starts.

Not from Alberta? That's ok!

Though this is an Alberta made jam we do not limit who can join. As long as you follow the community guidelines you are absolutely welcome.

Looking For Group?

Hit up our Discord and check out the #looking-for-group channel.

Diversifiers

These are optional challenges for your game. You can find these in #diversifiers on the Discord. Remember to specify which diversifiers you did on your itch.io submission!

• Staple Diversifiers: ASJ classics!
  • Deja Vu: Incorporate last jam's theme into your game (Branching Out)
  • International: Create a game that can be understood regardless of which language the player speaks.
  • Pacifist Run: Create a game with no combat. Alberta Proud: Incorporate the mountains, prairie, wheat or other symbols on Alberta's flag.
  • Owl Be Seeing You: Have a great horned owl in your game (Alberta's provincial bird)
  • Swap Meet: Exchange an asset with another team and add it to your game. (#swap-meet on the Discord)
• New Diversifiers: Specific to ASJ #4
  • "Vintage": Record Scratch. Add a vintage object or aesthetic.
  • "Juicy": Add particles, screen shake, or other juicy effects to your project.
  • "Binary": Duality, or literally 0's and 1's, your pick.
  • "Scared of Heights": Include verticality.
  • "I am Email…": Include messaging in some form.
  • "Undone": Include a form of undo.
  • "Side Quest": Not the main quest.
  • "Anti-Theme": Include opposite elements of any of the themes and diversifiers.

Jam schedule

May 22

6 PM: Jam Kickoff. Join the Discord to discuss with other jammers and meet teammates!

May 29

6 PM: Halfway point showoff. Post your progress in the WIP channel and see what others are doing!

June 5

6 PM: Submissions due. Upload your game AND a trailer or gameplay video (up to 3 minutes).

8 PM: Comment club signup closes. 

June 6

12 PM: Deadline to submit to the presentation form (link to google form)

12 PM: Comment club post goes out.

5 PM: Jam Showcase livestream where we show off the games you have all made! (premiered on Youtube)

June 13

6 PM: Rating period closes.

In person sites in Edmonton

Once again our friends at Interactive Arts Alberta have generously opened their Walkthrough Collaborative Centre as an in-person space for ASJ 4!

Address: #201, 10345 82 Ave through the Marakesh Tajeen doors and up the stairs

Check them out at Interactive Arts Alberta and Walkthrough YEG

Friday May 22rd

5-8 PM: Theme reveal and collaboration/brainstorming. Doors open at 5, jam opening and theme reveal is at 6.

Friday June 5th

4-7 PM: Drop-in collaborative working space and jam closing

Saturday June 6th

4-7 PM: Showcase and playtest day. Drop by to show off and playtest games created at Alberta Slow Jam, projects from previous jams, or just your personal or studio projects you want to get the world out on! Everyone is welcome to come show off their work. Come hang out, even if you didn't make a game.

Rules

• Games should be made during the jam. You may submit the same game to more than one jam provided you follow the rules for both
• Submit a  trailer or gameplay video (up to 3-5 minutes, depending on participation) before the jam ends. We will be playing these during the Jam Showcase
• You can use any assets you have the rights to use
• No AI generated assets
• Your games belong to you and you can do what you'd like with them after the jam

Voting

• Here by popular demand!
• 1-week voting period after the presentations to rate games based on enjoyment, creativity, presentation.
• There are no prizes, this part is for fun and to try out other entries.
• There will be an announcement with winners and top 3 of each category in the Discord.