To celebrate the expiry of U.S. patent 5718632, that’s the one filed by Namco back in 1995 forbidding the use of interactive loading screens, indie developer Kai Clavier has organized the first loading screen game jam of the millennium.
The idea is simple: create an interactive loading screen that would’ve infringed on Namco’s patent, and, in Clavier’s own words, “stick it to the man” in the process.
Entries can either be games based around interactive loading, or a game that features an interactive loading screen. Submissions will be judged based on the loading screens themselves and how well they tie into the game.
Naturally, loading screens that blatantly disrespect Namco’s original patent and feature a commentary on patents that hold back design will be awarded bonus points.
There are just 3 days and 14 hours left to submit your project, so head on over to Loading Screen Jam’s itch page to find out how you can take part.