DMsGuild game jam calls for creators to make their own Baldur’s Gate D&D adventures

DMsGuild is calling all TTRPG content creators to participate in their premiere game jam, an event where you can create and submit themed Dungeons and Dragons–compatible content to DMsGuild starting October 1 and ending November 2, with a large release of all submitted content on November 4 at 2pm pacific time. This gives new and veteran creators alike a chance to hone their skills, create their own content, and publish it to a wider audience. The theme for this Game Jam is Baldur’s Gate, a well-known and loved starting place full of possibilities.

Participation and submitting your content are easy to do but there are some rules, resources, and guidelines you should know about if you want to take part. Here’s what you need to know!

How to participate in the Baldur’s Gate Game Jam and the rules you should know

If you’re interested in participating in the Baldur’s Gate Game Jam, then you should download the Starter Kit from the DMsGuild site. It has all of the options you need to get started, but here are the basics:

1. There is a 25-page limit for submitted content, including a front and back cover. All content should be upload through DMsGuild (step-by-step instructions are found on page 11 of the Starter Kit) as a PDF by 11:59pm pacific time on November 2. Once you submit your content, keep it private because DMsGuild will push it live on November 4.
2. All content created must be compatible with the Baldur’s Gate theme. The content can be one-shot modules or smaller, or standalone encounters that can be used in larger scenarios.
3. Created content must be compatible with either the 5th edition D&D 2014 ruleset or the 5th edition D&D 2024 ruleset, and the ruleset used must be specifically noted.
4. No AI-generated content, including images or text, is allowed.
5. DMsGuild guidelines and licensing rules apply to all submissions including the necessary legal text to include.

When publishing anything to DMsGuild, keep in mind that you aren’t giving DMsGuild ownership of anything you create, just the exclusive license to “sell” your product. Wizards of the Coast also does not own any of the unique IP in your submitted creations but they do maintain ownership of any previously-owned IP used as contributions (established lore, characters, locations, and the like).

Resources to help you create

DMsGuild has suggested some resources creators can use to help them during this and future game jams, including creative support office hours where you can voice chat and get live feedback and help with the guidelines and rules, as well as attend pre-recorded and live workshops. If you’re interested in any of these, you can get more information through an e-mail signup or by joining their Discord.  Another resource is a partnership with Storytelling Collective, an online learning program that offers writing courses and workshops to help any interested participants.

The Baldur’s Gate Game Jam is an excellent opportunity where you’re interested in bolstering your skills as a writer/creator or just want to create something fun that other people can enjoy!