Following is a complete list of rules that all participants, and their entries, must adhere to:

1. All entries are to be one-room(ish) games of interactive fiction.
   We are suggesting one-room games for scope to fit our large audience that is made up mostly of casual gamers. Multi-room games will also be allowed if small in scope. Games should be solvable in no more than about 2 hours.
2. All entries must incorporate the competition theme (“escape”).
   Judging will include an evaluation of how well the theme is represented in your game, so we will ask you to submit an explanation of how the theme inspired you to create your game when you fill out an entry. A game may be disqualified for failure to incorporate the theme.
3. All entries must be compiled to Z-code prior to submission.
   Games submitted must be in Z-code so they are playable in a browser and thereby accessible to the largest audience possible. We will use our internally developed Flash-based Z-code interpreter, or the Javascript-based Parchment, to make all competition entries available to play from the main competition page once the deadline has passed. You may use Parchment to test your game with. If you need an IF development system that compiles to Z-code, check out Inform.
4. All entries must be original works free from copyright infringement.
   No entry may be based upon the copyrighted works of another or use copyrighted multimedia assets unless permission has been granted by the copyright holder. Parodies are permitted.
5. All entries must be created specifically for this competition.
   Your game must not have been in general release (publicly available to play) prior to the deadline of the competition. This is to emphasize the game design challenge. It does not prevent you from beta-testing your game, but you must know who your beta testers are.
6. The judging period will last 3 weeks.
   All entries will be made available online shortly after the competition deadline, and the judging period will then begin for a duration of 3 weeks. Anyone interested in judging the games of the competition should follow the rules and instructions in the “Judging” section below. All scores must be submitted by the end of the judging period.
7. Updates and bug fixes will be allowed during the judging period.
   In the spirit of competition, we will allow bug fixes and updates to competition entries during the judging period. However, it is in each participant’s best interest to make every effort to submit the very best possible entry prior to the deadline since the judging period begins soon afterwards.
8. Entries containing violence or mature themes.
   If violence or mature themes are necessary for your game, please use the ESRB Teen rating definition as a guideline to the limit of what is acceptable for this competition. Again, the aim here is to reach the largest audience possible.
9. Participants may submit no more than 3 entries each.
10. Participants must be 13 years of age or older (void where prohibited).

By submitting an entry to the competition, you grant Jayisgames.com and Casual Gameplay a permanent, non-exclusive license to host your game, either individually or as part of a larger collection. We will always include credit to the original author and display a link to you or your sponsor’s site, if desired.

When you are ready to submit your game: Please use the CGDC7 Entry Form for providing us with your name, mailing address, preferred link (optional), explanation of theme, and a few other details. Next, email your game file (or a download link) and walkthrough (a set of commands that can be used to successfully complete your game) to: cgdc7entry@casualgameplay.com

We will reply within 24 hours to confirm your entry once your game file is received.

If you wish to be a judge, we have a set of rules that you must adhere to:

• You must make an effort to play through each game completely that you wish to judge.
• You must play and judge at least 5 games for your scores to be counted.
• You must fill out an online survey for each game you wish to judge. A link to the survey will be emailed to you once all the game entries are available to play and the competition begins.
• You must judge each game objectively and fairly, answering each survey question to the best of your ability. The survey is designed to assign a numerical value to the following categories for each entry. All survey questions will be multiple choice:
  • Theme: To what extent is the theme present?
  • Appeal: To what extent did the game engage you from the start and compel you to finish?
  • Fun: To what extent did you find yourself enjoying the game?
  • Composition: To what extent did the author tell a good story or create a meaningful or immersive experience?
  • Technical: To what extent was the game free from bugs, accessibility and usability issues?
  • Overall: Give this game a rating from 1 (worst) to 5 (best).
• The judging period will last 3 weeks. All scores must be submitted by the end of the judging period.
• You may not judge any game(s) for which you were a beta tester.