Robot lovers unite!

Welcome to the first ever**Mechatronics VN Jam!**This is a game jam centered around visual novels and other narrative games about robots of all kinds!

Optional theme: Time loop

Maybe your protagonist is a lost companion robot trapped in a time loop where they're forced to relive the day their owner abandoned them every day? Or maybe they're an android who thought that killing a human wouldn't have any consequences since the day would just restart at midnight... only to learn that the loop is broken now that they've taken a life? It's up to you!

You can interpret this theme however you like, and you are NOT required to incorporate it into your game. It's just there as an option if you need some inspiration!

Rules

• Your game must include at least one robotic character who is important to the story in some way. "Robotic" is loosely defined here; your character can be a traditional robot made entirely from metal and circuitry, an AI that doesn't have a body or exists wholly on a computer, a cyborg with both robotic and biological components, etc. As long as you're being sincere with what you define as a robot, it counts!
• Your game must be narrative heavy. This includes visual novels, RPGs, point and click games, hybrids; whatever format you choose, it must be a narrative game first.
• You may submit projects you've already started, as long as there is new content being added with the submission. Previously completed games with no new updates or content are not allowed.
• Collaboration is allowed. There is no limit on team size, but be careful not to overscope.
• You're allowed and encouraged to submit demos and WIPs, as long as it doesn't stop randomly/there are otherwise no gamebreaking bugs.
• Tag your games appropriately! I want people to see your work.
• In the same vein, mature and NSFW themes are allowed, but you must tag them properly.
• Include at least two screenshots on your game's page. This is to show that you actually have a playable game available to download and helps people get a feel for what your game is like!
• Commercial and non-commercial projects are allowed. Charge whatever you like for your game, or don't charge anything at all if you wish.
• The use of generative AI in any way, shape, or form is strictly prohibited. If you are found to have knowingly used AI for your game it will be removed from the submissions page and you will be barred from participating in the jam until its next iteration. If you accidentally use pre-packaged assets that you weren't aware were AI until you already included them, you're free to resubmit AFTER you remove all AI generated assets and replace them with human made ones!

Community

If you're making a visual novel and looking to form a team, or otherwise just want guidance on making visual novels, the DevTalk Discord server (https://discord.gg/EzHjgcZUtg) is a great place to chat with other VN devs! The Lemma Soft Forums (https://lemmasoft.renai.us/forums/) also have a lot of great VN development tips and resources.

And, if want to see some other robot themed jams for inspiration, check out the 2025 Robot Romance Jam (https://itch.io/jam/robotic-romance) or the 2025 Short Circuit VN Jam (https://itch.io/jam/short-circuit-vn-jam)!

Let's make some cool games about robots! Have fun, y'all!