Dallas Game Producers
Dallas Game Producers (DGP) is a collective of game developers and producers organizing game competitions within the Dallas/Fort-Worth area.
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THROWBACK GAME JAM COMPETITION
In collaboration with National Videogame Museum
Dallas Game Producers (DGP) Throwback Game Jam CompetitionThe 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 DatesMarch 25, 2025 – Submissions Open
April 11, 2025 - Interest Form Deadline
May 23, 2025 – Submission Deadline (link coming soon)
May 26, 2025 – Finalists Announced
May 31, 2025 – Live Awards & Networking Event at the Black Box Theater (next to NVM)Submission RequirementsTheme: Tribute to 1990s gaming (throwback, homage, or stylistic inspiration)Scope: Equivalent to one playable level, featuring at least one mechanicStructure: Clearly defined start and end pointsFormat: 2D or 3DPlatform: Windows executable buildAdditional GuidelinesTeam 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!
Official Rules
Official Rules – Throwback Game Jam Competition
📅 Event Dates:
March 25, 2025 – Competition Kickoff
April 11, 2025 - Interest Form Deadline
May 23, 2025 – Game Submission Deadline
May 26, 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 Museum1. OverviewThe 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. EligibilityTo 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.3. Submission Guidelines📥 RSVP
Deadline to Submit Interest Form: April 11, 2025
Interest Form Link: Interest Link
Simply indicate your interest to participate in the game jam. More information will be provided after April 11!
📥 Submission Process
Deadline to Submit: May 23, 2025
Submission Link: Submission Link (Coming Soon)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 CriteriaSubmissions will be reviewed based on the following categories:🎮 Game Design (1-5 points) – Originality, creativity, and player engagement.🛠 Feasibility (1-5 points) – Realistic scope for an indie team.🏛 Thematic Inclusion (1-5 points) – Integration of video game history and preservation themes.Each category is scored out of 5 points, with a total possible score of 15 points. The top 3 highest-scoring teams will be selected as finalists.5. Finalist Selection & Live Pitch Event📢 Announcement of Finalists
The Top 3 Finalists will be notified via email on May 26, 2025.
Finalists must confirm their live-event participation within 48 hours of notification.🎤 Live Pitch Details
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 ConductBy 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. DisclaimersThe 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 InformationFor any questions, please contact:
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://dallasgameproducers.com/
FAQs
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