WHAT THE HELL IS 4X4X4?

What is this anyway?

The 4x4x4 Emoji Game Jam  (simply abbreviated as 4x) is a thrice-yearly mini-game jam event where people from around the world create minigames using 4 randomly-rolled emoji as their central theme. Started in 2021 by the groovy froods at the Game Developers Refuge, the compo has occurred three times a year since then (every February, June, and October) and has recently expanded to include a live event in Orlando, FL.

When does it take place?

Every February, June, and October. You have the entire month to work on your entry. Entries must be submitted by Midnight EST at the end of the final day of the month.

What platforms are allowed?

All platforms are allowed, so long as your game can be packaged in a way that is internet-distributable. That can be an executable, a console rom, fantasy console rom, Web-assembly or itch.io link, etc. If people can download and play it, we'll take it.

Do you have to start each entry from scratch?

NO! In fact, re-use of code and assets is strongly encouraged. The more you participate (even if you don't finish an entry), the more you have to work with next time. Sharing assets and code is encouraged, but never required. 

What do you win?

Er.... nothing? This is for fun, so what you'll win, beyond the self-satisfaction of finishing a game, is the respect of your peers, and the knowledge that you're participating in what is the most unconventional game jam out there. Your entry will also be immortalized on the site, along with all the other entries for that compo.

Great! Where do I get started?

Click HERE to get started. Check out one of the 4x compo threads at the Game Developers Refuge, if you have questions. There's a fresh thread for every compo. You can also stop by our Discord channel.