Know how awards are given
Besides selecting some of the most awsome jury members to judge your games it is important for you to understand what our judgment critrion focuses on.
The best games are not only the top three who deserve to be recognized and we have just the thing to make the developers feel appreciated for their hard work, with a total of three placements and sixteen categories othat focus on your creativity as jammers.
How does evaluation work?
Games are evaluated based on six criteria that are important to the jury members. The weight given to each criteria is not announced publicly yet are important to your final game score. Checkout the table below that explains what each criterion pertains to.
Criteria |
Description |
Originality |
Games are meant to be entertaining and excite us with new experiences. Make sure that your game has its own attractive factor. Mix and match something old with something new! |
Relevance to the theme |
How deeply-rooted into the game is the theme? Is it embedded into the sounds, gameplay, or visuals of the game? Will the game feel/play the same without it? The game will not qualify for the main awards if it scores 2 or less in this category. |
Visuals |
Pay attention to how well each visual element contributes to your overall game. Do the assets match your visual style? Is the style consistent throughout the game? Does your UI fit with the game? |
Music and Sounds |
Pay attention to how much audio and music contribute to the overall feel of your game. Pay attention to small details like sound effects, sound volume, and environment sounds. |
Gameplay |
Pay attention to the fun factor of your game. How well do the implemented mechanics contribute to the overall experience? Does your level design complement the mechanics you created? Is your game well balanced? |
Level of Polish |
Pay attention to how you present your game. Make sure that your game runs smoothly while removing as many game bugs as you can. Pay attention to small details like animations and make your game “feels” like a complete product. |
What about the categories?
We love your games, and we know that a lot of effort has been put to make them, that is why we have identified 18 categories that you can nominate your games to win in.
Keep in mind that these categories are not a determining factor to win extra credit towards the final score of your game, and are there just to recognize your amazing effort.
Criteria |
Description |
Public Choice |
The people have spoken, and this award will be given to developers whose game has been deemed their favorite by other participants! (Votings will begin on 19th December on the Game Jam’s itch page) |
Game for a Cause |
Let your game make an impact on the world. Games are fun and can teach us a lot about the world and the challenges we face, the game for a cause award looks at the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG’s) and how can your game tackle one of those problems. (Games will be evaluated by UN representatives) |
Nader AlKhalili’s Award for Innovation |
There is always room to create something new in the world of games. This award is in honor of the late Nader AlKhalili how inspired others to learn and innovate throughout their entire aspects of their lives. |
Best Asthetics |
Aesthetics are a huge part of any game experience, and the game which looks the most appealing will win this award. |
Best Concept |
The perfect game starts with great planning. This award will be given to developers who have developed a smart and strong game concept. |
My Sweet Rival |
Create your game not for one, but for two and beyond! Whether it’s split screen, LAN, or online, the best multiplayer game receives this award! |
Sweet Melodies |
How iconic is the Super Mario theme song? Music plays such an important role in games, and we reserve this award to the game with the best soundtrack. |
Pocket Game |
Produce an awesome game fit to run on smartphones or tablets and this award is yours! |
Proud Canvas |
Probably the most underrated aspect of any video-game design. This award is yours if your game includes a user-friendly interface for your players! |
Eye Candy |
Besides from looking good VFX add a lot to your game, Be your own Micheal Bay, add explosions, thunderstorms, power slashes and epic effects. Earn this prize by creating life and special effects in your game! |
No Install |
Can you play a game without installing it? Yes, you can. Not all games need to be installed. This award is given to developers who create the best game that does not need to be installed to be played |
New Realities |
AR and VR have brought a revolution in the gaming world. Unleash your creativity and create an epic artificial world to win this award! |
Army of One |
Going solo this Game Jam? To win this award, you need to show off your art, programming, and audio knowledge you’ve gathered throughout the years to create the perfect solo project! |
Female Power |
Time for our shining female developers to gain recognition in this year’s Game Jam! |
The hidden reward |
This is like winning the lottery, and is given by a secret admirer of your game for something that was awesome in your game. |
Young Champs |
Are you the next rising star in the gaming industry? Showcase your talent in the biggest gaming stage in Bahrain and get a chance to win this award! (Eligible for participants under the age of 16). |
I am praticpating, anything I should know?
Good luck and may the odds be forever in your favour. We leave you with words of advise & pointers on the Bahrain Game Jam:
- Read the rules, they are important and guide you on what you can and cannot do.
- Signup yourself in the registration page. you will recive an email that will allow you to edit your entery down the line.
- Join the social hub on Discord.
- Build a diverse team, balance the strengths you need for your jam. Remember there can only be 5 team members though.
- Follow the submission guidelines & make sure that you have filled the information and nominations.
And as always reach to the organizers on discord so that they may assist you.
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