Submissions open from 2026-10-10 23:00:00 to 2026-10-24 03:59:59
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Vive XP Discord

Jam Theme

To be revealed on Saturday October 10 at 7pm EST!

Jam Rules

All games submitted to the jam are required to be made within the time frame of the jam. We will not accept games made prior.

Usage of AI

Vibe XP and Latinx in Gaming are not aligned with the use of generative AI in game development, especially when it comes to its use in art and visuals for released projects. All art and development should be made within the time frame of the jam through asset purchases or created by team members. Any game that has been found to use AI will be disqualified from the  prize pool.

Legal

Anything you make during Terror Jam is your property. Vibe XP and Latinx in Gaming claim no rights or ownership of your game. 

Any game submitted may show up in Vibe XP or the Latinx in Gaming social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, BlueSky, and LinkedIn) without your expressed permission. 

Who can participate?

Anyone 18 and older can participate in the jam.  want to extend the opportunity to anyone interested in participating outside of our community. 

What platform can I use to make my game/experience?

Any platform you feel comfortable using as long as the game can run on Windows (without the need to install other programs) or browsers, to itch.io. You can support other platforms too, if you'd like (Mac and/or Linux). No physical games, Super Mario Maker levels, Dreams (PS4) games, or games that require an emulator to run.

What assets can I use? 

Any assets that you have made, purchased, or downloaded with proper licensing are permitted. This includes music tracks and sound effects.

Design Trials

Use at least 1 design trial in your game! The use of design trials will be part of your overall game score.

  • Monochrome: The game's art utilizes one color. 
  • New York:  Incorporate New York into your game in some meaningful way, whether through its setting, culture, landmarks, people, or history!
  • Brujería: Incorporate a witchy theme to the game (Sponsored by Latinx in Gaming)
  • Don’t Trust Your Eyes: Include a mechanic where something changes when it is no longer being observed.
  • Trolley Cart: The dilemma where you actively sacrifice one person to prevent multiple people from dying. Mechanics that explore no-win scenarios.
  • Keep It Moving: Design your game so the player is encouraged, or forced, to stay on the move; lingering in one place should have consequences.
  • Nothing Supernatural: Create horror entirely from a mundane or realistic situation.
  • Body Snatcher: Include a character or creature capable of imitating, replacing, or disguising itself as someone, or something, the player trusts.
  • Beat Boxing:  Make sound an essential part of the experience by incorporating audio, rhythm, music, or sound cues directly into gameplay, with all audio created using only sounds made by the human mouth or voice. 
    • Use reference as a guide: 

What will the games be judged on?

Quality, creativity, relation to the theme and use of challenge(s). The judges will be picking their favorite games to compete for a spot in the in-person showcase and the prize pool.

What is the breakdown of the prize pool?

The judges will select amongst the best games to showcase onsite at our Halloween Mixer and Games Showcase on October 31, 2026! Prizes include cash and special surprises!

  • Best Overall Game: $500
  • Best Core Gameplay (sponsored by infiBit): $200
  • Scariest Game: $200
  • People's Choice: $100
  • Best Design Trial - Brujería (Sponsored by Latinx in Gaming): $100

When will winners be announced?

Winners will be announced and contacted the week of October 26,  2026. Local devs in the NYC and tri-state area are welcome to the onsite Terror Jam Games Showcase and Halloween Party on October 31! 

Is there a Discord I can join? 

Yes! Join the Vibe XP Discord server. A channel for the game jam will be open for you to use starting September 18, 2026. You'll be able to talk to other jammers to brainstorm, form teams, and receive feedback or help.

Use #TerrorJam2026 on any social platform to share your progress and be boosted by Vibe XP and Latinx in Gaming!