Plug-and-play Innovation: Highlights from the Second Whalepass Game Jam
We recently wrapped up our second $2,500 Whalepass Game Jam, and it was a blast! Developers from all over came together to create games inspired by the theme "Retro Revival," bringing fresh twists to classic arcade and 8-bit styles.
A Weekend of Creativity
The jam ran from November 29th to December 7th, 2024, challenging participants to craft games over a single weekend. We saw 46 entries, each showcasing unique interpretations of the retro theme. The creativity and innovation on display were truly impressive.
New Prize Structure
This time, we introduced a revamped prize structure:
- 1st Place: $1,000
- 2nd Place: $500
- 3rd Place: $300
- 4th Place: $200
- Community Vote: $500
The top four winners were selected by our panel of judges, while the community had the opportunity to vote for their favorite game to win the $500 community prize.
Spotlight on the Winners
While all submissions were outstanding, our top five finalists stood out for their originality, technical prowess, and seamless integration with Whalepass. Here's a brief look at the winning games:
1. MiniTroid by DinoMC --> play now
2. A Whisper of Death by SleppyCat --> play now
3. Root: Echoes of Shadows by BaltaRed --> play now
4. (& Winner of Community Vote) Pixel Punisher by shreyyasm, Lazy Shed --> play now
Whalepass Integration
A key aspect of the jam was integrating Whalepass into the games (& using Moonbeam as the network of rewards). Participants utilized our platform to enhance gameplay with features like rewards, assets, and progression systems. This integration not only enriched the gaming experience but also showcased the versatility of Whalepass in game development.
Community Engagement
Our Discord server buzzed with activity throughout the jam. Developers collaborated, shared progress, and exchanged ideas, fostering a supportive and vibrant community. The community vote added an extra layer of excitement, allowing everyone to have a say in the outcome. Not only that but we also saw many returning jammers with many of which were in the top 10 with huge improvements compared to the first jam!
Looking Forward
The success of this game jam has energized us for future events. We're committed to supporting developers and providing platforms that encourage creativity and innovation. Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming jams and initiatives!
A huge thank you to all participants, judges, and community members who made this event a success. We can't wait to see what you'll create next!
For more details and to play the submitted games, visit our itch.io page.
Happy gaming,
The Whalepass Team
Finally a video!
Checkout this youtube video featuring all of the awesome submissions!
The Whalepass Game Jam was more than a competition; it was a celebration of innovation, community, and the future of gaming. We're excited to continue this journey and can't wait to see what our amazing community creates next!
At Whalepass, we are committed to empowering game developers with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. Join us on this exciting journey as we continue to revolutionize game development and player experiences.
Join our Community now to learn more about this!
Or dive right in to the Developer Dashboard
Also follow us on X to get the latest news from Whalepass!