= SD-8516 Summer Game Jam
    \\\ Not for distribution prior to April 1st, 2026 \\\

The **SD-8516 Summer Game Jam** is an exciting opportunity for retro computing enthusiasts, hobbyist developers, and fans of 1970s/1980s arcade and home console classics to create games for the SD-8516 platform!

== What is the SD-8516?
The SD-8516 is a retro-inspired ''fantasy console'' system designed in the spirit of classic 8/16-bit machines like the Commodore 64 and the SNES. It supports programming in:

* **Stellar BASIC**
* **Star Forth** (a FORTH implementation)
* **Assembly Language**

Documentation, including the User's Guide, Programmer's Reference Guide, language tutorials, and example programs, is available at: https://appledog.ca (check the wiki sections for SD-8516 specifics).

== Contest Structure & Timeline
__**1. Developer Beta Phase (April–May 2026)**__

* Sign up for early/beta access to the SD-8516 system by sending a private message (DM) to me on Reddit (u/AppledogHu) or via Discord.

//During this 1–2 month window, you'll explore the hardware, learn the programming environments, experiment, and decide on your game. There is no obligation.//

__**2. Game Proposal Submission**__

* Submit a game proposal; the game name, what language (BASIC, FORTH or Assembly), and some information about your game (i.e. what kind of game it is).

//The proposed game must be a version of a classic home console or arcade game from the 1970s or 1980s -- (think Space Invaders, Pac-Man, Asteroids, Donkey Kong, Jumpman, Loderunner, and so on! Get creative within the constraints of the platform!).//

//Proposals will be reviewed, and accepted entrants will be notified.//

__**3. Development Phase (June–July 2026)**__

* Accepted developers get **60 days** to complete and polish their game.

* **During this time I will make myself available to answer questions about the development environment.** I will be on discord, reddit, and you can send me e-mail.

== Prizes -- Total Prize Pool: $2,100 USD
* **Overall Best Game**: $1,000 USD  
* **2nd Place**: $500 USD  
* **3rd place 'Best in Category'** (one each):  
** Best BASIC game: $200 USD  
** Best FORTH game: $200 USD  
** Best Assembly Language game: $200 USD  

Prizes awarded based on creativity, playability, faithfulness to the retro inspiration, technical execution on the SD-8516, and overall fun factor. Judging details will be shared closer to submission.

== Important Notes
* By entering and accepting a prize, winners grant distribution rights to Appledog for publishing the games on our webpage as part of this paid contest. You retain your own distribution rights as well.
* This is a community-focused jam to celebrate retro computing, retro programming and share cool projects with each other!
* Keep an eye on our Discord, Reddit and Wiki for updates, beta access announcements, proposal templates/examples, and more!

If you're interested in the beta or have questions, send me a private message! I'm here to answer your questions.

Who's ready to code some pixel-perfect retro magic? Show me your power!

(Tell your friends! Please help spread the news of the first SD-8516 Summer Game Jam!)