FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions about the Game Jam

What’s the Game Jam theme/prompt?
COOPERTITION! Coopertition produces innovation.  At FIRST, Coopertition is displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition.  Coopertition is founded on the concept and a philosophy that teams can and should help and cooperate with each other even as they compete.  Coopertition involves learning from teammates.  It is teaching teammates.  It is learning from mentors.  And it is managing and being managed.  Coopertition means competing always, but assisting and enabling others when you can.

Do I have to be involved in FIRST or know about FIRST to participate?
No!  While the theme of the game jam is related to FIRST, we welcome anyone and everyone to participate.

Does my game have to be about robots since FIRST is a robotics competition?
No! FIRST is #morethanrobots. Any game which celebrates STEM or the mission and vision of FIRST and relates to the prompt are all welcome.

What if I don’t completely finish my game? Can I still submit?
Absolutely! We want to see whatever you have created. The minimum deliverable for participation is completing the Registration Form and the Game Description Form which describes the overall vision for your game. This will help the judges know and understand what you were trying to accomplish, even if it does not get fully implemented.

I am a teacher, could I do the Game Jam as a classroom activity?
Yes! We would love to have your class submit a single game or multiple games! Training is available online to help your students learn the basic tools.

Finishing an entire game seems hard and intimidating!  What do you expect of my ‘playable game’?
Think of your submission as more like a prototype.  It may not be perfect, but it’s a proof-of-concept or a small showcase of what is possible.

It should be representative of your gameplay and assets, and show how major game mechanics work.  Maybe it all happens in a ‘test room’ rather than the full environment you envision, or it lacks a sound track.  All those are acceptable!

We respect that creativity comes in all forms and all skill levels so do not be overwhelmed by how much you can finish.  Your Game Description Form will give you a chance to describe your ultimate vision for the game to the judges.

GAME DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS

I see you have training on certain tools. Am I required to use only these tools to create my game?
No. You can use any tools and resources available to create your game as long as the game can be distributed to the judges and community to play without violating the licensing or terms and conditions of the software used.

Can I use music or art I find on the web in my game?
Any code or art assets must adhere to the creator’s patent or copyright and licensing terms. Generally, this means you cannot use copyrighted works without receiving explicit permission from the copyright holder(s) or give proper attribution if the license requires it (i.e. some but not all Creative Commons licenses).

TEAM QUESTIONS

I am an individual, can I compete on my own or do I need a bigger team?
Teams of one are acceptable. However, developing games takes a lot of diverse skills so we encourage teams with multiple members.

But I don’t know anyone else who wants to participate. Is there a way to find some team members?
We encourage you to join the Discord and post in the #teambuilding-chat to find others to work with. Additionally, feel free to reach out through other means to find teammates. Look in your family, community, and beyond!

What are the age or other restrictions of team membership?
Our only restriction is that all participants must be 13 or older. Otherwise, we welcome people of any age, experience, or background. This makes it a great opportunity for families or other preexisting groups to enter, and to help broaden the pool of folks available to be on your team.

JUDGING QUESTIONS

Who is eligible to win awards?
To win awards, all team members must complete the Registration Form. They must also submit a Game Description Form. All these submissions will be eligible for non-technical awards. Teams which submit a playable game will be eligible for all awards and advancement through the judging process.

Who is judging the Game Jam?
All submissions will be judged by a minimum of two judges with both FIRST and game design experience within their pair. Interested in being a judge? Email wpirobotics [at] wpi [dot] edu with your info.