The contest has concluded
For a write-up of the winners, and to play the winning games, please check the blog post here!
Everything below is simply archived content. Thanks for participating!
Have you ever wanted to make a game to horrify your friends? Or how about a wholesome game around collecting candy?
With five diverse categories and a $5000 prize pool, all creators are welcome!
Winner
Prize Categories
Twisted FairytalesHaunted AbodesSci-Fi HorrorSCP HomageHalloween Celebration
Additional Awards: Best Remix, Greatest Jumpscare
How to enter
Deadline: October 26, 5:00pm PDT
Publish a game in Core and fill out the form at the bottom of the page before 5:00pm PDT on October 26.
Winners will be revealed on October 29 and featured on the Core homepage through Halloween.
Submission details and official rules below
Get Started
Download Core for free
In the Create tab, start a new project (or improve an existing one)
Check out Core's extensive documentation and getting started guide
Join our Discord to talk to fellow creators
What is lurking in the darkness?
The rattle of chains on hard stone walls, as icy fingers trail down your spine. The unholy moan of some ethereal spirit gasping in agony as your own screams echo in harmony. You stumble outside, fog clinging to your feet like fingers rising from the ground. You risk a final look backwards - and what you see tears through the final shreds of your sanity...

The pulse-pounding joy of fear can be wonderfully intoxicating - and we want to help you create and celebrate those moments! Horror (and wholesome Halloween joy) comes in many forms, so we're calling for game experiences in the following settings/sources of inspiration:
Twisted Fairytales Take a classic tale and give it your own unique macabre twist! From the works of The Brothers Grimm to Robin Hood and beyond, anything in the public domain (i.e. old tales, not specifics from modern adaptions) is fair game!Haunted Abodes These decrepit locations are home to horrors unknown. Haunted houses, cemeteries, mausoleums, and anything else you can imagine, are all perfect places for adventures.Sci-Fi Horror The future is home to any number of mysteries, but not all are benign. From abandoned spaceships to technology's dark side, the options are endless.SCP Homage SCP is a storehouse of subjects terrible, mysterious, and most of all [REDACTED]; use your favorite files from the SCP Foundation (excluding SCP173) to inspire a unique game. End of report.Halloween Celebration Whether you enjoy curling up with your loved ones to watch a horror movie, seeing the smile of children’s faces while trick or treating, enjoying pumpkin carving and spiced cider while leaves turn gold, or something else entirely - this is the category for all the sentimental and wholesome joy this holiday can bring!
We also have a few additional bonus awards to give out:
Best Remix Improve what already exists! Either from Manticore, the community, or one of your own games, the potential for changing the aesthetics, updating the gameplay, and adding surprise tricks and treats is one that can result in excellent games.Greatest Jumpscare Either a pre-scripted event or a multiplayer experience, whatever game creates the best moment will win this prize.
Entries in the contest will be judged on aesthetic appeal and interactivity. Entries must be games, not just scenes to explore.
Don't forget to scope down, and enjoy creating! We look forward to seeing what you dream up!

$5,000 in Prizing
Each Category Winner
$800 (each category)
Spooky Winner Profile Pic
Remix
$600
Spooky Winner Profile Pic
Jump Scare
$400
Spooky Winner Profile Pic
All Participants
Spooky Profile Pic
FAQ / Details
What is Core?
Core is a radically accessible game construction kit, community of creators, and game-playing platform, all in one. With Core, you can create multiplayer games, using the power of Unreal Engine, with no coding or art skills required. When you're ready to share your creations, publish them to the Core platform where they'll be instantly available to play.

Core is like having an entire game studio in your hands. It gives you the power of Unreal Engine; lets you access hundreds of free, high quality music, sound, and art assets; and enables you to bring immersive, multiplayer worlds to life.
Simply put, we want to help you create the game(s) of your dreams. To get started, download the client at coregames.com.
If I'm a newcomer to Core, where's the best place to start?
Check out our complete introduction to the Core editor to quickly get up to speed and begin creating. For a more structured set of tutorials, follow along with our free courses at Core Academy.
Does it have to be a playable game?
Yes, but we provide plenty of tools to make it easy! See our 'frameworks' (create --> new project) for full sets of game logic you can drag and drop into your map.
Can I make unique looking art in Core?
Yup! From high fantasy to dark wonderlands to modern military, we've got assets to match the mood - and thousands of primitives and materials to create your own from scratch as well! Our art director's blog post describes the ideology behind it all, for those who are curious.
Can I use community content?
As always, yes, it is encouraged! Please do give credit (in your game descriptions) to pay it forward.
Are there any submission specifications?
To enter, you must fill out the form below. Any entries modified after the submission due date are ineligible for prizes.
What is SCP?
SCP is a community-driven collection of horror stories in a common setting. If you're not already familiar with it, don't be too concerned; that category is just for those die hard fans!
How do awards differ from categories?
Selecting a category is mandatory, awards are a potential bonus for doing additional things on top of that.
Why a 'remixed' game award?
We encourage people to not 'reinvent the wheel' and to keep improving existing games - doing so helps you get up and running as fast as possible (important in a time-dependent jam), and also helps make a more fully-featured game you can really be proud of!
Can we use existing games?
As long as it fits the theme/category, yup! See the answer above for why.
How are entries judged?
We will take into account any adherence to the theme and category, then will judge based on the gameplay (30%), aesthetics (30%), and our overall impression (40%).
Can I submit multiple entries?
Sure, but they must be unique entries! You can not submit the same entry in multiple categories.
Can I update my entry after submitting?
Yes, but only until the deadline of 11:59 PDT Oct 26. Submitting early and updating is actually encouraged, to avoid any last-minute form submission errors! Just update the game on Core, no need to re-submit via the form. Note that once the contest ends you can not update until judging concludes, on Oct 29.
Can I work with a team?
Yes, and please do! For profile pics, please put all your collaborators' names (up to 5) and their credits in the game description for them to get this endowment too. Note that if your team wins, distribution of the prizing must be handled by yourselves (i.e. we'll give the prizing to the submitter, then they can allocate to team members).
Why do you want my email/sign up for a mailing list?
First off, we need to contact you if you win ;) Secondly, if you enjoy these contests and want to keep in touch with future ones, we want to give you the option to receive emails solely about contests (only ~2/month), to respect your inbox while keeping you up to date!
What if I'm under 18?
Ask your parent or guardian to submit your entry on your behalf.
How are winners paid?
We use Tipalti to pay winners in their local currency.
Do I need to credit sources of inspiration?
For SCP, yes! Note the author and the story in the game description please (and note that SCP173 is not allowed). See here for more details.
For fairytales you don't need to. Note that you can't use specific elements from modern readaptions (i.e. the exact Cheshire cat from Madness Returns), but the general stories are hundreds of years old and therefore in the public domain and free to borrow from.
Where can I see the official rules?
The Spooky Jam is subject to the Core Contests Official Rules.
What if I have more questions?
The best way to get help is through the dedicated Discord contest channels; alternately email us at events@manticoregames.com and we'll do what we can for you.
Core May Art Contest
“Through the Looking Glass”
OFFICIAL RULES
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.
Core May Art Contest
“Through the Looking Glass”
OFFICIAL RULES
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.
Core May Art Contest
“Through the Looking Glass”
OFFICIAL RULES
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN
1. ELIGIBILITY: The Core May Art Contest “Through the Looking Glass” ("Contest") is open only to individuals who are: (a) are eighteen (18) years or age or older at the time of the Contest, and (b) are the original creator who created the content may enter or win (in the event of a dispute as to authorship, Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any entry or winner; Sponsor’s decisions are final). Employees, officers, directors, and agents of Sponsor, its affiliates, advertising, promotion, and fulfillment agencies, their immediate family members and persons living in their same household, are not eligible. The Contest is subject to all applicable laws and regulations and is void where prohibited by law.
2. SPONSOR: Contest is sponsored by Manticore Games, Inc., 1400 Fashion Island Boulevard, San Mateo, CA 94404 ("Sponsor").
3. AGREEMENT TO RULES: By participating in the Contest, each participant warrants that they fully and unconditionally agree to and accept these Official Rules. Each participant further warrants that they will accept the decisions of Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.
4. HOW TO ENTER: The Contest (begins at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time (“PT”) May 1, 2020 and ends at 11:59 p.m. PT May 31, 2020 ("Contest Period"). Content submitted after Contest Period will not be judged. Sponsor will provide concept art from American McGee’s Alice to use as inspiration for your entry. To enter, register and log on to Sponsor’s Core platform, review any technical requirements posted there, build a 3-D re-creation inspired by any of the designated Alice concept art, publish your content on Core and as a digital image captured from assets created in Core to the #submissions channel in Core’s official Discord (each an “Entry”). Your Entry should be a high-resolution image (16:9 aspect ratio and 1080p resolution). You should include a link to your published Entry, the name of the piece in community content (if applicable), and editor shots as proof that your Entry was rendered in Core without significant retouching. With the exception of Sponsor materials which are included in an Entry, all content must be the entrant’s original design and creation, executed solely by the entrant. Your Entry must not be subject to the rights of any third parties, other than Sponsor. The content in your Entry may not be offensive or otherwise unsuitable for use, as determined in Sponsor’s sole discretion. Entrants must comply with all Contest rules (including these Official Rules), regulations, and policies. Entrants not complying with these requirements will be disqualified.
5. DETERMINATION OF WINNER: Each Entry will be judged by Sponsor, and Sponsor’s decisions are final and binding in all respects. Sponsor will use the following criteria to determine a winning Entry: 0-35 points for originality, 0-35 points for creativity, and 0-30 points for design. In the unlikely event of a tie, Sponsor will re-evaluate and compare each tied Entry based on the above-listed criteria and determine a winner. One (1) eligible individual who submitted an Entry receiving the most votes from the judges will be a potential winner (the “Winner”), subject to verification of eligibility by Sponsor.
6. PRIZES: One (1) Winner will receive one (1) $1000 Amazon gift card, one (1) signed American McGee Alice piece of concept art, one (1) Cheshire Kitten Plush and a review of their portfolio by Sponsor. Approximate retail value (“ARV”): $1250. Second Place will receive one (1) $500 Amazon gift card, one (1) signed American McGee Alice piece of concept art, one (1) Cheshire Kitten Plush and a review of their portfolio by Sponsor. ARV: $650. Third place will receive one (1) $250 Amazon gift card and one (1) Cheshire Kitten plush. ARV: $305. Additionally, Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, award a $100 Amazon gift card for up to six (6) notable entries and a $500 Amazon gift card for up to two (2) popular entries as determined by social media ratings. Prizes are not transferable or refundable and must be accepted as awarded. No cash or other substitution may be made, except by Sponsor, who reserves the right to substitute a prize (or component thereof) with another prize (or component thereof) of equal or greater value in the event that a prize is unavailable as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Taxes and all other expenses and costs not expressly listed above are the Winner’s responsibility.
7. SPONSOR’S RIGHTS TO ENTRY: Except where prohibited, by participating in the Contest, participant grants Sponsor and its agents an irrevocable right and license in perpetuity to reproduce, publish, use, edit, adapt, and/or modify any of all of the content in an Entry that was created or contributed to by participant without approval, in whole or in part, in any way, in any and all media throughout the world, and to associate the Entry with participants’ name, likeness, and biographical information, without limitation and without compensation.
8. GENERAL CONDITIONS: Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any person or Entry that Sponsor determines to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in a disruptive manner. Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.
9. RELEASE AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: By participating in the Contest, each participant agrees to release and hold harmless Sponsor, its affiliates, and its and their officers, directors, employees, shareholders, agents, successors, and assigns (the “Released Parties”) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Contest or receipt or use of any prize, including but not limited to injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from participation in the Contest or receipt of any prize, even if any or all of the Released Parties have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, therefore such exclusions may not apply to you. Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify the Contest if any problem corrupts the administration, security, or operation of the Contest, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Participant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Released Parties’ liability will be limited to the cost of participating in the Contest, and in no event shall the Released Parties be liable for attorney’s fees. Each participant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including but not limited to punitive, consequential, direct or indirect damages.
10. DISPUTES: Except where prohibited, participant agrees that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or connected with, the Contest or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in the State of California. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these Official Rules, participant’s rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of Sponsor in connection with the Contest, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the State of California, or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of California.
11. CONTEST RESULTS: The Winner(s) will be posted on Sponsor’s forums, Discord channel, and interactive stream at the conclusion of the Contest. For a list of Contest Winner(s), send your request along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Attn: Marketing Department "Core May Art Contest - Through the Looking Glass”, 1400 Fashion Island Boulevard, San Mateo, CA 94404. Requests must be received by June 15, 2020.
Core May Art Contest
“Through the Looking Glass”
OFFICIAL RULES
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.
Submissions
The Spooky Jam is subject to the Core Contests Official Rules.
Get Started
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