Ostara is a beginner-friendly game jam for people wanting to try out game design, meet new people, and plant the seeds of fun.

We're doing things even more differently this year.  Ostara is all about a refreshed focus on artistic expression, growth, and joy as we rise from the icy grips of winter, but this season we're going smaller and getting personal:

All games this year must be print-and-play experiences built entirely during the event weekend, and playable in under 30 minutes.

Why? We are germinating the seed of small experiences and game development without the hurdle of tech and the shadow of scope-creep. Focus on design choices and player engagement with a clear outcome, not on fighting Unity's input system.

Want a little more fertilizer in your garden? This year is *mildly* competitive, with special in-person prizes AND post-event voting for online kudos and attention.

Final submitted games must be printable documents containing at least the rules for gameplay, and maybe a little more to help players fall in love with your itty bitty game full of spring joy. 30 minute playtime should include learning to play the game. This means playground games, one-page-RPGs, social games, micro-party starters, and PnP boardgames are all on the menu.

Schedule

Friday April 24th, the theme will go live for everyone to start brainstorming and development of their project.

Saturday April 25th, we're meeting in-person at UNO's Criss Library room 249 from 10:00 am to 4:00pm. You can form a new team, brainstorm together, and get testing help from your new friends. (Bring a bag lunch for yourself and stay in the design flow zone!)

Sunday April 26th we return to CL249 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Print. Play. Present. Finalize uploads, and present your garden of delights to be judged by special guests. PRIZES AND AWARDS.

Online participation is 100% allowed! Even if you can't join the in-person event, you can still submit projects for online voting.

Community

Join the conversation early or find a team by joining the Discord server!

Our seedling partner this year is UNO's Maverick Meadow Indie Game Studio. These folks are doing their best to get student-made games off the ground at UNO and ready for commercial viability. Show some love.

Rules

• Games must be print-and-play ready for immediate offline, in-person, physical play.
• Games should take less than 30 minutes to play, inclusive of learning to play.
• The original idea for the game and bulk of production must be generated during the jam itself.
• Games can be submitted to multiple jams, but must have been made first for Ostara during April 24 -27 2026.
• Asset packs are cool if you've got the license/clearance to use it normally.
• Solo and full dev team development is a-okay.
• Content and interactions are subject to the inclusivity policy of our umbrella organization Insert Game {Here}

Submission Judging Criteria

For the ranked voting segment at the end of the jam, the following areas will be using the very special and scientific method of 1 to 5 stars. Overall and individual areas will be assessed by public vote. 

• Spring-y-ness of the Game
• Integration of Theme
• Playable in Under 30min
• Completeness
• Fun Factor
• Uniqueness
• Visual Appeal and Readabilty

The in-person Sunday awards will be based on these criteria and a 3 minute long presentation. Special awards will be given to all in-person participants!