The jam has ended! Thank you everyone for participating!
Read about the results (and play the winning games) in our Medium post here!
Create the best survival experience in Core’s latest game jam with a $15,000 prize pool, three diverse categories, and profile pictures for every creator that submits a game!
Winner
Prize Categories
Classic SurvivalSurvival ShooterChanging the Game
Additional Awards: People's Choice (most played)
How to enter
Deadline: December 14, 10:00am PST
Publish a game in Core and fill out the form at the bottom of the page before 10:00am PST on Dec 14.
Categories will be revealed on Nov 12 and those winners will be announced on Dec 17. Winners for the People's Choice awards will be announced on Dec 21.
Submission details and official rules below
Get Started
Download Core for free
In the Create tab, start a new project (optionally use the survival starter kit)
Check out Core's extensive documentation and getting started guide
Join our Discord to talk to fellow creators and survival game fans
Can you not only survive, but thrive?
Survival games are an expansive, well-loved genre, and there's never been a better time to build one on Core:
A brand new survival starter kit has just been released! This starter kit is a collection of pre-configured scripts that allow you to get a full game working immediately, and then tweak later as desired - this one is available via the 'Community Projects' tab. Further documentation can be found here.A new Urban Combat tileset with a destroyed variant.Tons of free resources via Core’s community content (including everything from the previous Arenas of Combat jam) available to use, speeding up development dramatically!

The contest has three categories - Classic Survival, Survival Shooters, and Changing the Game, to encourage you to dive deep on your vision and refine it. First, second, and third place for each category (as determined by our judges) will win prizes, and there’s also a separate set of People's Choice prizes for the games that get the most plays on the platform in the 10 days following the contest. And everyone that submits a valid entry will receive a unique Core profile picture to showcase your status in the Core community.
Classic Survival Player versus the environment - there is no conflict more fundamental. This PvE-focused category can include progression over time, crafting mechanics, building systems, natural disasters, threats both natural and supernatural, and more!Survival Shooters Gunshots echo in an abandoned city. From underground bunkers filled with claustrophobic corridors to overgrown cities with wide vistas, this is the theme of choice for many games for a reason - the exploration and atmosphere synergize with the tension of the core gameplay in wonderful ways. Polish is the name of the game here; the most complete, well designed PvP-focused game will take the cake.Changing the Game So many survival games are set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland with progression based on increased material gain, but what if they weren’t? We want to see how you can theme the genre differently. How will you add your flair, with altered settings and mechanics, to make something original and impressive.
Entries in the contest will be judged on aesthetic appeal and interactivity. Entries must be games, not just scenes to explore.
Lastly, we are giving the People’s Choice awards for the two games with the most gameplays from 10am PST on Nov 12 to 10am PST on Dec 21. Games with retention mechanics that keep players engaged, that are marketed well and shared on social media, will be best positioned for success.
Don't forget to scope down, and enjoy creating! We look forward to seeing what you dream up!
$15,000 in Prizing
Overall Best
$5000
Genre Winner Profile Pic
Each Category
First: $1500
Second: $650
Third: $200
All: Genre Winner Profile Pic
People's Choice
First: $2000
Second: $1000
All: Genre Winner Profile Pic
All Participants
Genre 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 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 --> survival) 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.
Where can I find the Survival Starter Kit?
This "framework" was released as a community project. Go to the Create tab --> New Project --> Community Projects --> and search 'survival' to find 'Survival-Framework' by standardcombo. More details in the documentation here.
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. Feel free to ask any questions in the relevant Discord channel (e.g. to confirm your entry was received successfully).
What is a "Survival Game"?
Survival games are a genre of games that involve collecting resources and avoiding dangers to grow stronger. Survival Shooters simply merge this with gun-based combat. Some examples from this genre include Minecraft, ARK, Don't Starve, Sum, Rust, DayZ, Escape from Tarkov, and more.
How are the 'People's Choice' awards calculated?
It is simply the most played games submitted to the contest during the judging period (i.e. from the contest start date to the judging date). If you're using a pre-existing game, any game plays before the contest start date do not count.
Can we use existing games?
As long as it fits the theme/category, yup! We do balance the judging based on what new/unique content was made, so existing games don't have an unfair advantage, but we want to 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!
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 beware, judges will only be reviewing your entry once, so if you push a last-minute update and it has a game-breaking bug that will be reflected in your score. Because of this, it is heavily recommended to stick to the deadline. To keep things as fair as possible, judges will randomly be playing the games from the list so you nobody can rely on an extra day or two.
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 ask for my email and entry to 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 1-2/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. They will receive the prize and then can pass it on to you at their discretion.
How are winners paid?
We use Tipalti to pay winners in their local currency. Winners will be contacted via email with the details.
Where can I see the official rules?
Contests
Manticore Games, Inc. (“Sponsor”) will sponsor a contest for each of three (3) survival categories: (1) Classic Survival, (2) Survival Shooters, and (3) Changing the Game, (each a “Survival Contest”), in addition to (4) “People’s Choice” Most Played and (5) Best Overall (collectively, with the Survival Contests, the “Contests”).
Contest Period
Starts: Thursday, November 12, 2020 @ 8am PDT
Ends: Monday, December 14, 2020 @ 10:00am PDT
How to Enter
Complete the submission form linked on this landing page. Entries for the “People’s Choice” and Best Overall Contests will be comprised of eligible entries from the Survival Contests. Entries may only be submitted to one (1) Survival Contest, but multiple unique entries for each Survival Contest are allowed.
Prizes
For each Survival Contest, the first place winner will receive One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars (US$1,500.00), the second place winner will receive Six Hundred and Fifty Dollars (US$650.00), and the third place winner will receive Two Hundred Dollars (US$200.00). The prize winner for the Best Overall Contest will receive Five Thousand Dollars (US$5,000.00). The “People’s Choice” Most Played games, as determined from the amount of game plays during the Contest Period, will also be awarded prizes at the sole discretion of the Sponsor. The first place winner will receive Two Thousand Dollars (US$2,000.00), and second place will receive One Thousand Dollars (US$1,000.00) All Contest entrants will also receive a genre profile picture.
Prizes will be paid through Tipalti. Winners must create or have a Tipalti account to collect their prize. For more details on Tipalti and potential tax implications, please see our Help Center article.
Each Survival "contest" 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 Survival Jam is subject to the Core Contests Official Rules.
Get Started
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