Using AI
Should I use AI in a game jam?
Rule 1: Can I use AI?
What do the rules say?
It’s very likely that the game jam has explicit rules on the use of AI. Normally these are one of:
- No form of AI use is acceptable (not code, not for asset generation).
- AI asset generation (i.e. music, audio, sprites, models, textures) is not allowed, but coding assistants are allowed (but not fully vibe coded games).
Should I use AI?
If it’s not allowed? No, that’s cheating.
If it is allowed? Still no, in my opinion.
The point of a game jam is to learn and to have fun:
- It makes no sense to ‘outsource’ it.
- You always need to understand the fundamentals of all aspects of game development.
- The ability to think critically and creatively is a skill; AI will take that from you.
But I need AI?
You need an AI helper, but you can’t have one - what can you do?
- Pick another game jam, which has different rules.
- Join a team where your weaknesses are other people’s strengths.
- Accept that some parts will be harder and give them more time.
- Simplify your scope, giving you time to learn new skills.
- If allowed by the rules, look for free and public assets which will help.
As a fallback, make your game with AI, but you don’t need to submit it. You can publish it on the Discord or other forum, but say you used AI so you don’t want to break the rules.