Can I use community content?
Yes, it is encouraged! Please give credit (in your game descriptions) to pay it forward.
Are there any submission specifications?
To enter, you must fill out the form above. Feel free to ask any questions in the relevant Discord channel (e.g. to confirm your entry was received successfully).
We also encourage including WIP shots, and anything else that helps show off the process, but this isn't mandated.
Can we use existing games?
As long as it fits the theme/category, yup! We do balance the judging based on what new/unique content was made, so existing games don't have an unfair advantage, but we want to encourage people to not 'reinvent the wheel' and to keep improving existing games - doing so helps you get up and running as fast as possible (important in a time-dependent jam), and also helps make a more fully-featured game you can really be proud of!
How are entries judged?
We will take into account any adherence to the theme and category, then will judge based on the aesthetics (30%), functionality (30%), and our overall impression (40%). Note that the interpretation of these is up to the judges' discretion, and they have the final say.
Can I submit multiple entries?
Sure, but they must be unique entries! You can not submit the same entry in multiple categories.
Can I update my entry after submitting?
Yes. But beware, judges will only be reviewing your entry once, so if you push a last-minute update and it has a game-breaking bug that will be reflected in your score. Because of this, it is heavily recommended to stick to the deadline. To keep things as fair as possible, judges will be playing the submitted games in a random order.
Can I make unique looking art in Core?
Yup! From high fantasy to dark wonderlands to modern military, we've got assets to match the mood - and thousands of primitives and materials to kitbash your own from scratch as well! Our art director's
blog post describes the ideology behind it all, for those who are curious.
Can I work with a team?
Yes, and please do! For profile pics, please put all your collaborators' names (up to 5) and their credits in the game description for them to get this endowment too. Note that if your team wins, distribution of the prizing must be handled by yourselves (i.e. we'll give the prizing to the submitter, then they can allocate it to team members).
What if I'm under 18?
Ask your parent or guardian to submit your entry on your behalf. They will receive the prize and then can pass it on to you at their discretion.
How are winners paid?
We use
Tipalti to pay winners in their local currency. Winners will be contacted via email with the details. Please open a
support ticket if you have questions regarding payment.
Where can I see the official rules?
ContestsManticore Games, Inc. (“
Sponsor”) will sponsor a contest on its Core platform for each of five (3) categories: (1) Mecha, (2) Fantasy (3) Slice Of Life, (4) Ninjas, Samurai, and Magical Girls (each an “
Anime Contest”), in addition to (5) Best Overall (collectively, the “
Contests”).
Contest PeriodBegins: February 24, 2022 @ 10am PT
Ends: March 24, 2022 @ 10am PT
How to EnterComplete the submission form linked on the official landing page -
https://animejam.coregames.com; or
Enter a submission via MGL’s discord channel, marked #submissions in the AnimeJam category.
Entries for the Best Overall Contest and the Special Awards will be made up of eligible entries from the other categories. Entries may only be submitted to one (1) Anime Contest, but multiple unique entries for each Anime Contest are allowed.
No entry is needed for the Live Show Prizing, the best performing contestants will receive a share of the prize.
Manticore Games’ agent, Metaverse Gaming League (MGL), reserves the right to use games submitted to this jam in its future promotional material, including but not limited to prized tournaments.
PrizesThe top 3 entries in each category will be judged according to a panel composed of Manticore and MGL personnel. The top 3 eligible submissions in each Contest will receive prizes, as will the Best Overall Contest Winner, and the Special Award recipients.
Each Contest:
1st: $5,000
2nd: $2,000
3rd: $1,000
Best Overall:
$10,000
Each Award:
$1,000
Live Show Prizing:
$6,000
Prizes will be paid through Tipalti. Winners must create or have a Tipalti account to collect their prize. For more details on Tipalti and potential tax implications, please see our
Help Center article.
The contests are subject to the
Core Contests Official Rules.
What if I have more questions?
The best way to get help is through the the
Core Discord or
MGL Discord contest channels; alternately email us at events@manticoregames.com and we'll do what we can for you.
