$10 to enter. A panel scores every entry against published criteria. The prize pool is real money — 85% of all collected entry fees — paid to the top scorers. No random drawings, ever.
Kickoff: Monday, Nov 2, 2026 · Submissions close: Friday, Nov 6, 2026 · Winners announced: Monday, Nov 9, 2026
Every entry is scored 0–10 per category by the judging panel. The weighted total decides placement.
| Category | Weight | What we score |
|---|---|---|
| Gameplay | 40% | Is it fun? Does it work? Controls, mechanics, feel. |
| Theme fit | 25% | How well the game interprets the announced theme. |
| Polish | 20% | Art, audio, UI, bug-free-ness, overall craft. |
| Trailer / pitch | 15% | A short video or written pitch selling the game. |
Ties are broken by the panel's majority vote. Judges' scores are final.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Mon, Nov 2, 2026 | Kickoff — theme announced (TBA), entries open, jamming begins |
| Fri, Nov 6, 2026 — 11:59 PM ET | Submissions close |
| Sat–Sun, Nov 7–8, 2026 | Judging panel scores entries |
| Mon, Nov 9, 2026 | Winners announced; payouts sent |
All times Eastern. Theme is revealed at kickoff so nobody can start early.
Register below so we can reach you with the theme and submission details. Then complete your $10 entry via Stripe.
Skill-based contest. This is a contest of skill, not a sweepstakes or lottery. No random drawings are used at any stage. Placement is decided solely by judges' scores against the published criteria above.
Prize pool: exactly 85% of collected entry fees (15% organizer cut, which covers Stripe fees and judging operations). The operator adds nothing and there is no guaranteed minimum prize. Winners are paid from the pool: 1st 50%, 2nd 30%, 3rd 20%, via BTC or manual payment within 7 days of announcement.
Eligibility: open worldwide, 13+ (or with guardian permission). One entry per $10 fee. Entries must be original work created during the jam period.
Refunds: full refund of the entry fee if requested before kickoff (Nov 2, 2026). After kickoff, entry fees form the prize pool and are not refundable. Full refund if we cancel the jam. Contact indiemarketingarsenal@proton.me.