Well, The results are in.
The game reviews have been tallied, and the Winner is Witch in the Woods, by JR01. It's a really cute, extremely polished, and technically impressive game that's just fun to play.
This is of course JR01's second Flowjam win, marking the first time we have had a repeat winner.
The competition was even more intense than usual, with more games scoring higher than a 3.0 than in any previous Flowjam.
Here are some that deserve a special mention:
2nd Place Winner
You're at the helm of a spaceship searching for minerals in the wake of a supernova. Cute and fun? Well, it's hard to describe - you just have to play it.
3rd Place Winner (Tied)
A game about exploring the ocean depths while tethered to your mini submarine. Unique & interesting exploration and tool mechanics combined with impressive technical execution and stunning graphics.
3rd Place Winner (Tied)
It's hard to believe this one was created in just two weeks. It has vast levels, lots of puzzles, and it's clear that a lot of effort and love has gone into this game. Definitely worth checking out.
Honorary Mention
A mystery game where you solve a murder be interrogating suspects that live inside your fridge. A simple but unique and fun game with very charming artwork and characters.
Honorary Mention
Upgrade your grappling hook to explore the gorgeous levels in this impressive entry. Only one level so far, but wow it looks great & the hook is fun to use. Hopefully we'll see an expansion in the future.
Honorary Mention
A unique twist on the Hidden Worlds theme where you have to use your magnifying glass to help you navigate the world. Simple 1-bit style graphics add to the charm.
Honorary Mention
A little puzzle platformer where you must use your magic wand to manipulate the environment and find the Wizard's magic powder. Careful, the enemies are smarter than you might expect.
Honorary Mention
Stealthy, suspensful action game where you must hide by transforming to blend in with various environments of the game world.
Honorary Mention
Try to escape this strange apartment through retro style point-and-click exploration. Lots of areas to explore - but not everything is friendly.
The Theme is: Hidden Worlds
What does that mean?
As usual, I really have no idea. I suppose that hidden worlds could refer to things tiny, disguised, concealed, invisible, or hidden in plain sight. Here are some quotes to help get your creativity flowing:
“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.”
“Pleasure to me is wonder—the unexplored, the unexpected, the thing that is hidden and the changeless thing that lurks behind superficial mutability.”
“Her heart was a secret garden and the walls were very high.”
“Everyone has darkness inside them, however hidden.”
- The Flowjam began on January 1st, 2023 12pm (noon) EST, so get started now!
- Submissions will close and Judging begins on January 15th, 2023 EST at Midnight
- The submit game button will appear RIGHT HERE, so come back to this page when you're ready to submit
- You can continute to edit your game even after you submit, until the jam is over
What's a Flowjam?
Flowjam is a competition where everyone gets a limited time (two weeks) to create a complete game from start to finish, based around a single theme.
The theme will be announced when the game jam begins, make sure to wait until the theme is announced to create your game!
This year the Flowjam will begin on January 1st, 2023 12pm (noon) EST. Submissions will close and Judging begins on January 15th, 2023 EST at Midnight.
Remember to come back and review all the games after you enter!
Come join the Flowjam Discord Channel or the Flowjam 2023 Forum thread to discuss ideas, encourage each other, ask questions, or whatever else.
What can I win?
The winning game developer will receive a Steam Deck 64GB:
Why should I participate?
Making games is fun! Also, this is a chance to challenge yourself to try new ideas, improve your skills, and possibly win a new game console :)
Who can enter?
Anyone, from anywhere. Feel free to collaborate and help each other, but only one prize will be awarded. Entrants outside the U.S. will be responsible for any Customs or other fees incurred.
The Rules
- Don't create your game until the theme is announced! - on January 1st, 2023 12pm (noon) EST - the game creation time is listed under each game.
- Your game can include any art or music you have legal permission to use, but anything not created by you during the jam should be listed in the game's description.
- Submissions will be closed on January 15th, 2023 EST at midnight
- All entrants can vote on the game submissions to select the winner, and Grazer will have the final say on the official winner in case of a tie.
- Only games created using Flowlab can be submitted
- No purchase necessary - free accounts are welcome and encouraged to submit games!
Judging Criteria
- Theme How well the game adhered to and used the theme
- Fun How fun the game is to play
- Art How does the game look and sound
- Creativity How unique are the graphics, the mechanics, and the overall design
Tips to make your entry more appealing
- Screenshot or make an Interesting Cover for your game. This will lead more eyes to your submission. (P.S.: Make sure the most important things like the title of your game and the main subject aren't cropped.)
- If your game doesn't have a tutorial, leave all the controls in the description in a clear way.
- Add background music and sounds. Audio is extremely important to the feel of your game.
- Add a menu or title screen to make the game feel more polished and complete
- Add a background. You can change the background color on the "Game Levels" Panel.
- If you have an upgraded account, you can use the "Edit Page Theme" button to make it more personal.
