Questions before the signal

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it cost anything?

No. Participation, judging, play, ordinary digital rewards, and showcase attendance are free. Donations go through the official external fundraiser and are optional.

Do I need to make a game?

No. Makers create entries; Couriers invite people through attributable links; Players play, give useful feedback, and attend the showcase. A person may hold several roles.

What does a Courier link track?

It records an anonymous first-party referral session and meaningful actions such as registration, RSVP, eligible submission, or live check-in. Visits alone do not earn rewards. A code typed deliberately on a form overrides cookie attribution for that action.

Can minors participate?

The event is 16+. Participants aged 16–17 affirm guardian permission. Discord access must also comply with the participant's local minimum age.

Can I use AI-generated material?

No generative-AI-created submission content is allowed.

Can I submit a downloadable game?

Yes. Browser-playable work is preferred for access, but downloadable builds are allowed and remain hosted on itch.io.

What if my upload breaks at the deadline?

Contact a host with evidence of the technical problem. A case-by-case late-submit link may be issued during the 24-hour technical grace window.

Will promotion help my game win?

No. Referral honours and artistic judging are separate systems.