The Secret Santa 2024 game jam has officially kicked off, and it’s already gaining momentum with over 650 participants signing up on itch.io. This annual event offers a unique twist on the traditional game jam format by pairing developers with one another in a Secret Santa-style exchange. Participants start by submitting a “letter” detailing their bio, interests, and a wishlist of game types or experiences they’d love to receive. Then, they’re randomly paired with another developer, who will create a game based on their preferences.

The jam has no overarching theme, allowing creators the freedom to design games that reflect the wishes of their giftee. Developers have until December 22 to finalize their games and share them with their assigned recipients.

But it’s not just game developers who can get involved. Those with skills in music composition, artwork, 3D modeling, and other asset creation are in high demand within the jam’s active community. This provides a great networking opportunity for those looking to contribute without necessarily programming the games themselves. If you’re considering teaming up, there’s no restriction on collaboration, though all submissions remain the responsibility of the individual participant.

To join the jam, simply head to the itch.io page, sign up, and make sure to connect with the community through the official Discord server for full participation. Even though there’s no hard cutoff for joining, it’s encouraged to get involved as soon as possible to make the most of the event. The jam promises to showcase a wide array of creative projects, making this an exciting opportunity for both new and experienced developers alike.