Open Theme - Horror
Horror is subjective. Psychological, surreal, abstract, atmospheric, narrative, quiet, confrontational. If you believe your work is horror, it belongs here. Winner receives $50 dollar reward. UrbanRiot may reach out to some games to offer publishing to steam.
Duration: 2 Weeks
Join the official Discord here https://discord.gg/rqsAKARMXC
Visit the UrbanRiot website here https://urbanriot.studio/
Submission Requirements
- Playable experience must be 30 minutes or less
- Solo developers and teams are allowed
- Any engine or tool is permitted
- Submissions must be playable builds (PC recommended)
- All work must be created during the jam period
- Short, focused experiences are strongly encouraged.
AI & Asset Policy
No generative AI art or generative AI content is allowed. This includes visuals, textures, characters, environments, and animations.
AI may be used for:
- brainstorming
- coding assistance
- debugging
- writing support
All final assets must be human-created or properly licensed.
Pre-made assets are allowed if licensing permits and proper credit is given.
Judging
This is a curated, judge-led jam.
Games will be reviewed by: UrbanRiot and Invited industry professionals and creatives
There are two parallel judging paths.
Award A - Main Prize ($50 USD)
Split evenly among members of the winning team
Judging Criteria (combined score):
| Narrative | storytelling, implication, emotional impact |
| Art Direction | visual identity, cohesion, atmosphere |
| Mechanics | interaction, clarity, intent |
| Cleanliness | stability, polish, usability |
| Overall Impact | how the experience functions as a whole |
This award prioritizes complete, cohesive experiences.
Award B - “Potential” (Publishing Opportunity)
Judged separately from the cash prize.
A game may win:
- both awards
- one award
- or neither
Judging Focus:
- Concept strength
- Original voice
- World or idea longevity
- Expandability into a full project
- Creative risk
UrbanRiot Publishing Offer (Public Terms)
Winners of the Potential Award will receive an invitation (not an obligation) to publish their game on Steam with UrbanRiot.
- 2-Month Polish & Development Window
- Selected developers will be given up to two (2) months to further develop, polish, and prepare their project for a Steam release.
During this period, developers may:
- Refine gameplay and pacing
- Improve performance and stability
- Expand narrative or content
- Enhance visuals and audio
- Prepare marketing materials (trailer, screenshots, store page)
UrbanRiot may provide:
- Creative and production feedback
- Steamworks and store page guidance
- Branding and presentation support
- Promotion
This period is collaborative, low-pressure, and developer-led.
Simple Publishing Terms
- Ownership - Developers retain full ownership of their game, IP, and assets.
- Creative Control - Developers maintain final creative authority. UrbanRiot acts as a collaborator, not a director.
- Revenue - Revenue splits are discussed transparently before any agreement is signed.
- Non-Exclusive - Publishing is non-exclusive unless otherwise agreed by both parties.
- No Fees - UrbanRiot does not charge submission, publishing, or marketing fees.
- Credit - UrbanRiot is credited as publisher. Developers receive prominent authorship credit.
- No Obligation - Either party may decline or exit discussions prior to signing without penalty.
UrbanRiot Publishing exists to help amplify experimental horror voices.
Final Notes
- Short, focused experiences are encouraged
- Risk-taking and strong identity are valued
- This jam is curated, not algorithm-driven