For the third year running, the Thinky Puzzle Game Jam is returning! Both veteran and novice designers are invited to take any 48 hours during the week of June 23-30 and make something thinky.
Check out the official jam overview page to read the full details. It's a pretty relaxed community-oriented jam, so there are very few rules and no voting or ranking of the submissions. The idea is to inspire some motivation, to give you a reason to join other like-minded gamedevs in making something something new. The jam originated in the Thinky Puzzle Games discord server, a wonderful community of developers and enthusiasts which is essentially where Thinky Games was born.
The first two years of the jam had some great turnout, and as a player it's a treat to sift through a little treasure trove of interesting (and often experimental) new puzzle games. Around the time the jam kicks off an optional theme will be revealed, which have been playful and unique sources of inspiration.
You can browse and play the submissions from the first jam in 2021 here, which featured the theme "The Elephant in the Room". Last year's theme was "The Magician's Hat" which people also had a lot of fun with: see the submissions from 2022 here, or perhaps read about our personal picks from the 2nd jam.
A common choice for making small puzzle games quickly, both in the jam and in general, is PuzzleScript. As a free web-based game engine especially made for grid-based puzzle games, it's hard to deny the convenience of experimenting and testing that it brings to the table. That being said, it's always lovely to see games in a range of visual and mechanical styles, and you're welcome to use any engine or environment you're comfortable with.
Whether you're an experienced puzzle-maker, a gamedev curious about trying out a new genre, or someone who's interested in making their first game, I hope you'll consider participating in the Thinky Puzzle Game Jam 3 when it starts a few weeks from now on June 23rd!
Disclaimer: Thinky Games is part of the Carina Initiatives and may have professional relationships with individuals and businesses related to the subject of this article. Please see our Editorial Policy for details.
