Pirate Software Jam unofficial FAQ. May disappear without warning.

FAQ.md

Unofficial JamFAQs

I am not connected with Pirate Software in any way, I'm just a big fan of what they're trying to do and what they've done for me. Please use the following document as the single source of truth:

https://itch.io/jam/pirate

Twitch links may expire, but indicate that at least Thor has answered this question or one like it.

Follow the rules. Don't be a dumbass.

When does the jam start and end?

That timer in the above document is adjusted to your timezone.

What's the theme?

It's spreading. https://discord.com/channels/162034058736435201/1063400069002440734/1195376494730563684

How was the theme chosen?

There was a poll voted on by the stream audience on the first day of the jam. The poll had four options on YouTube side, four on Twitch side. Then the winners on each side went into a head-to-head battle on each side, with the overall winner deciding the final jam theme. Options were prepared by Thor.

"Nine prompts enter... one prompt leaves". https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2025355450?t=4h26m36s

What were all the options?

Twitch themes:
Pay To Win
Leave Something Behind
It's Spreading
Reverse Horror

YouTube themes:
Eat It
Extinction
The Moon
Pre-Apocalypse

Poll setup and jam start: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2030091053?t=04h54m52s

Can I see some past winners and theme prompts?

There are a few collated here: https://discord.com/channels/162034058736435201/983556797006753833/1191158157335085126.

Does my entire team need to join the Itch.io jam?

Only one person needs to be, to submit: however, it won't hurt to have your other members join too. This will allow them to leave feedback on other entries, play the games, etc.

Does my entire team need to be on the Discord?

YES. Make sure everyone's on the Discord. It's really important Thor and the team have a way to contact you, provide prize details, etc. https://discord.com/channels/162034058736435201/1063400069002440734/1190271434052862092

No really, how does my team join?

1. At least one person with an Itch.io account joins the jam.
2. The reset of the team may also join the jam if they wish, but it's not required. It will allow them to see submissions and provide feedback to other devs.
3. A person who has joined the jam creates a game on their Itch.io dashboard.
4. Each member of the team is added as an admin to the game.
5. Edit the game page to add the Discord names of the team members (and if you wish, a team name).
6. When you submit the game, make sure it's very clear who the team members are in your submission. There's a space on the form for it. Double check that they're all on the Discord.

I'm having a hard time finding/forming a team.

#gamejam-lfg and #gamejam-forums are your friends here. Don't forget to go back a few weeks and look for older posts that didn't get much of a response, you might find other people who are in exactly the same position as you. Make sure you have the jam role from Channels & Roles at the top of the Discord.

Are assistants like Copilot included in the "no AI" provision?

Yes. Don't use Copilot or equivalent tools during the jam: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2023304300?t=03h49m27s

What if I need ChatGPT or other AI to teach me a concept?

That should be fine. Use AI to teach you a concept, not to write code. https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2016861143?t=4h51m40s

And remember, Large Language Models are well-known for getting things completely wrong so use your brain and other resources too.

Can basic tools like spash screens and camera movement be created ahead of time?

Yes. Use your tools. Just don't use anything you don't have commercial rights to. https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2023304300?t=2h32m31s

Can I use the trial version of GameMaker, even though there are cash prizes?

According to GameMaker themselves (Yoyo Games), yes, that's fine: https://discord.com/channels/162034058736435201/983556797006753833/1192850193054441562.

How complete/polished does the jam submission need to be?

"A good prototype is a really shitty demo." Just enough to give a sense of your game, and be playable. https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2020447657?t=11h51m39s

I'm concerned about being able to contribute to a team.

The jam is a very low-risk environment. Just get stuck in, be up front about how much experience you have, maybe join one of the many beginner-oriented teams. https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2020447657?t=2h43m44s

Also, there is no skill or experience prerequisite. https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2017817118?t=6h22m19s

Are Thor and the team really going to play all those games?

Yep! And hopefully leave a small amount of feedback. The team will judge the games, so at this stage it looks like Itch.io's voting system will not be used. https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2012583128?t=3h07m29s

How do I submit the Game Design Document (GDD)?

The team have asked that you include it in your game's downloadable files. A Google Doc or Word doc is fine. I imagine they'll also take well-formatted plaintext, or a PDF free of malware, but you'd have to ask them. https://discord.com/channels/162034058736435201/615103415340630029/1195834786791567472

How did you build this list?

Mostly hanging out in #gamejam-general and by searching the #answered-tts channel. Did you know you can do that too? This search:

will give you a whole bunch of stream links containing Thor, answering questions and handing out encouragement like a Denny's waiter handing out Moons over My Hammy's.

Corrections to @basie on the Discord.