Dallas Game Producers (DGP) is a collective of game developers and producers organizing game competitions within the Dallas/Fort-Worth area.

-> Learn more about the THROWBACK GAME JAM

-> Attend the Live Awards Presentation on May 31st - RSVP LINK

-> Stay updated by joining our Google Group mailing list.

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THROWBACK GAME JAM COMPETITION

The Dallas Game Producers (DGP) is thrilled to announce the Throwback Game Jam Competition, an exciting opportunity for game developers to showcase their talent and creativity. Winning entries will be featured in Throwback Game Jukebox installation at the National Videogame Museum (NVM) in Frisco, Texas.

Key Dates

March 25, 2025 – Submissions Open
Ongoing - Interest Form (Sign up here)
May 26, 2025 – Submission Deadline (Submission Link)
May 27, 2025 – Finalists Announced
May 31, 2025 – Live Awards & Networking Event at the Black Box Theater (next to NVM) (RSVP Link)

Submission Requirements

Theme: Tribute to 1990s gaming (throwback, homage, or stylistic inspiration)
Scope: Equivalent to one playable level, featuring at least one mechanic
Structure: Clearly defined start and end points
Format: 2D or 3D
Platform: Windows executable build

Additional Guidelines

Team entries are allowed, but one team member must be available for the live awards ceremony on May 31st at the National Videogame Museum.Submissions must be uploaded to DGP's submission portal before the deadline.Up to 3 finalists will be featured in the DGP game jukebox installation at NVM.Join us in celebrating the art of game creation and showcasing the spirit of 90s gaming!

Sign up for the jam today

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Official Rules

📅 Overview of Event Dates

*March 25, 2025 – Competition Kickoff
*May 10, 2025 - Interest Form Deadline
*May 26, 2025 – Game Submission Deadline
*May 27, 2025 – Finalists Announced
*May 31, 2025 – Live Awards Presentation at the Black Box Theater (next to NVM)
📍 Awards Location: National Videogame Museum, Frisco, TX
📝 Hosted by: Dallas Game Producers & National Videogame Museum

1. Overview

The Throwback Game Jam Competition is a unique opportunity for game developers to showcase their creativity by submitting innovative proof of concepts that pays homage to pivotal eras in the games industry. Developers will submit proof of concepts to compete for an opportunity to be included in the Throwback Game Jukebox, a curated installment showcased at the National Videogame Museum. A panel of game developers and players will select the top 3 finalists based on criteria. The finalists will showcase their proof of concepts live at the National Videogame Museum, network with other competitors, industry professionals, and local game developers. This competition is open to all game developers looking to explore the intersection of game development and historical preservation.

2. Eligibility

To participate, teams must meet the following criteria:Open to Devs:
The competition is open to all game developers.Original Concepts:
Submitted games must be original and not adaptations of existing games or intellectual property owned by another party.Theme Alignment:
Games must emphasize the Throwback Game Jam theme of paying homage to games from a historical time period.Game Feasibility:
Concepts should be designed with a reasonable production budget (up to $500,000) in mind. To clarify, this is not to indicate funding is available from this initiative.Employees or direct affiliates of Dallas Game Producers, National Videogame Museum, and event judges are not eligible to compete.

📅 Event Dates

📥 RSVP
Deadline to Submit Interest Form: May 10, 2025
Interest Form Link: Interest Link
Simply indicate your interest to participate in the game jam.📥 Submission Process
Deadline to Submit: May 26, 2025
Submission Link: Submit Your Game Here

3. Submission Guidelines

Submission Requirements
Theme: Tribute to 1990s gaming (throwback, homage, or stylistic inspiration)
Scope: Equivalent to one playable level, featuring at least one mechanic
Structure: Clearly defined start and end points
Format: 2D or 3D
Platform: Windows executable build📄 Required Submission Materials
Game Title & Concept Summary (Max: 250 words)
Proof of Concept / Prototype evidencing:
-Core gameplay mechanics
-How the game incorporates the theme
-Development feasibility & estimated budget
-Optional: Early prototypes, sketches, or mood boards (highly encouraged)

4. Judging Criteria

Submissions will be reviewed based on the following categories:🎮 Gameplay (1-5 points) – Originality, creativity, and player engagement.🎨 Art Direction (1-5 points) – Uniqueness, quality of art.🔈 Sound Design (1-5 points) - Quality of sound, sound implementation.🏛 Theme (1-5 points) – Inclusion of 90s theme for game jam.Each category is scored out of 5 points, with a total possible score of 20 points. The top 3 highest-scoring teams will be selected as finalists. The selection jury will use its discretion to select the top 3 games of the finalists or in the event of a tie.

5. Finalist Selection & Live Awards Event

📢 Announcement of Finalists
The Top 3 Finalists will be notified via email on May 27, 2025.
Finalists must confirm their live-event participation within 48 hours of notification.🎤 Live Presentation Details - RSVP Link
Selected finalists will present their games live at the National Videogame Museum on May 31, 2025. Each team will have:
-6 minutes to present their game concept.
-2 minutes for Q&A from the judging panel.
-Presentation Materials Encouraged: Teams may use slides and prototypes to support their presentation.Finalists are responsible for their own travel and accommodations.

6. Prizes & Recognition

🏆 Three Finalists:
-Inclusion in the Throwback Game Jukebox, to be exhibited at the National Videogame Museum as an installment.
-Press and social media spotlights on the winning game concept.🏅 All Competitors:
Invitation to a private networking event with industry professionals.

7. Code of Conduct

By participating, all contestants agree to:
✔️ Conduct themselves professionally and respectfully.
✔️Avoid hate speech, harassment, or offensive material in their submissions.
✔️ Present original, non-plagiarized content.Failure to follow these guidelines may result in disqualification.

8. Disclaimers

The event organizers reserve the right to modify rules, dates, or format if necessary.All intellectual property remains with the creators; however, by submitting, teams grant Dallas Game Producers and NVM permission to showcase materials for promotional purposes.Competing doesn’t guarantee winning.

9. Contact Information

For any questions, please contact:
📩 [email protected]
🔗 https://dallasgameproducers.com/

FAQs

❓ How many games can I submit?
Please submit one game per team.
❓ What should I wear to the Live Awards and Networking Event?
The attire for the event is business casual.
❓ What constitutes a "proof of concept? How much of a game is required? Can it be one single level? Does the art and audio have to be polished or original works?
You must meet the submission requirements listed above, including having the equivalent of one playable level and featuring at least one mechanic with clearly defined start and end points. The art and audio do not have to be polished. However, you must have the right to use all assets as well as the right to grant permission to the Dallas Game Producers and the National Videogame Museum to showcase your submission.
❓ Can I use pre existing gameplay or assets?
Yes, you can use pre existing material. Either that you have created, or from a marketplace. This is fine as long as it fits the theme and other criteria.
❓ Why isn't there more FAQ?
More FAQ will come soon!
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