Participating in game jams is one of the most powerful tools for game developers. It ignites creativity, sharpens your skills, and challenges you to grow. All in pursuit of making better, more meaningful games.
RECLAIM, developed by Disputed People Games, is a shining example of this. The game is a minimalist, movement-driven 2D platformer set in a post-climate collapse future. Players step into the role of Aya, a Seedbearer trained to revive the forgotten towers of the old world. With each leap, plant, and bloom, the player helps bring life back to a world on the mend.
RECLAIM was entered into the Solarpunk Game Jam, hosted by Trevor Noah’s Day Zero Productions, a jam with a mission far greater than just creating cool games. The theme of Solarpunk invited developers to imagine a hopeful, sustainable future powered by renewable energy, ecological balance, and innovative communities.
RECLAIM fits this vision beautifully. From planting seeds to witnessing nature reclaim towering ruins with roots, light, and leaves, the game offers a poetic take on rebirth and resilience.
The game jam ran from 22 April 2025 to 10 May 2025, with the judging period from 12 to 23 May 2025. The winners will be announced on 30 May 2025. They stand a chance to receive a grand prize of $10,000, plus opportunities for in-person and virtual showcases, global press features, and support for further development.
This is a huge step forward not just for RECLAIM, but for every dev who took part. Game jams like this are a launchpad for talent and a testament to the creative power in the South African gaming scene.
Watch the RECLAIM Trailer:
Day Zero Productions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayzeroproductions/
Itch.io: https://itch.io/jam/day-zero-games-solarpunk-jam
Disputed People Games:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disputedpeoplegames/
Website: https://disputedpeoplegames.com/
