(CLOSED) MONTHLY(1) Game-Jam: The Scratch-Off

Instructions

2 YEARS ON SCRATCH (this is also used as a scaffold for all future game jams) AFTER DARK MEANS AT NIGHT BTW Studio: https://scratch.mit.edu/studios/51941380 READ BELOW (Scroll Down): AFTER DARK When the sun goes down, the world changes. Create a Scratch project that shows your own take on what happens after dark. --- THE CHALLENGE Create a Scratch project based around the theme AFTER DARK. You can make a game, animation, story, artwork, interactive project, or anything else you can think of. --- HOW TO ENTER 1. Remix the Scratch-Off contest project. 2. Make your entry using the AFTER DARK theme. 3. Share your project on Scratch. 4. Copy your project's link. 5. Go to the contest studio and paste your project link into the studio comments. 6. Your project will be added to the studio and entered into the contest. Submission deadline: September 27, 2026 --- RULES * Your project must be made in Scratch. * Your project must follow the AFTER DARK theme. * Your entry must be a remix of the contest project. * Only one entry per person. * Do not submit somebody else's project. * Remixes are allowed, but your entry should contain your own work. * Keep your project appropriate for Scratch. * Your project must be submitted before the deadline. * Don't use AI to make the entire project for you. * Have fun and be creative! --- JUDGING Every entry will be scored out of 100 points. THEME — 25 POINTS How well does the project use the AFTER DARK theme? Judges will look at how important the theme is to the project and how creatively it is used. CREATIVITY — 25 POINTS How original and interesting is the idea? Judges will look for unique concepts, unexpected ideas, and projects that stand out. EFFORT & DETAIL — 20 POINTS How much work has gone into the project? This includes coding, artwork, animation, sound, level design, dialogue, and smaller details. EXPERIENCE — 15 POINTS How enjoyable and engaging is the project? Games should be fun to play, while animations, stories, artwork, and other projects should keep the viewer interested. PRESENTATION — 15 POINTS How polished does the project feel? Judges will consider graphics, sound, menus, organisation, readability, and whether the project feels finished. --- SCORE SHEET Theme: /25 Creativity: /25 Effort & Detail: /20 Experience: /15 Presentation: /15 TOTAL: /100 --- IMPORTANT DATES Contest Opens: September 5, 2026 Submission Deadline: September 27, 2026 Judging: September 28–30, 2026 Winners Announced: October 1, 2026 --- PRIZES 1ST PLACE 100% of the available PGs and other contest rewards. Your project will also be featured in the contest results. 2ND PLACE 75% of the available PGs and other contest rewards. Your project will also be featured in the contest results. 3RD PLACE 50% of the available PGs and other contest rewards. Your project will also be featured in the contest results. SPECIAL AWARDS(10% Of Pg's Each) Additional prizes may be given for categories such as: Best Game Best Animation Best Art Most Creative Best Use of the Theme Funniest Entry --- JUDGING PERIOD Once submissions close, the judges will have several days to play and review the entries. This gives us time to properly play the games, watch the animations, read the stories, and look through the other projects instead of rushing through everything. --- WINNERS The winners will be announced after judging is finished. The final results will include the top three places and any additional awards. --- FAQ Can I make a game? Yes. Games, animations, stories, art, music, simulations, and other projects are allowed. Does my project have to be scary? No. AFTER DARK can be scary, funny, mysterious, peaceful, adventurous, or anything else. Can I use Scratch assets? Yes, but adding your own artwork, code, sounds, or other creative work is encouraged. Can I submit more than one project? No. Each person can submit one entry. Can I change my project after submitting it? Yes, but major changes after the deadline may not be considered during judging. What if I miss the deadline? Late entries may not be accepted. How do I submit my project? Remix the contest project, finish your entry, share it, and paste the project link into the contest studio comments. When will my project be added to the studio? Entries will be added after their links are posted in the studio comments. --- GOOD LUCK The sun is going down. What will you create AFTER DARK?