2. You must write the game code. You can seek essential assistance with code from the various forums, but you must submit your own work. It cannot be written by a third party or with the help of AI. Please don't spoil this by cheating.

3. Copies of the game's development logs, design ideas, and the complete source code will be required to show the game's development.

4. Graphics and sound should ideally be designed by you (bonus points if they are), but not everyone can draw or write music, so third parties can be used for these specific areas of your game's design. Their work must be credited in the game and meet the relevant Creative Commons licences should it be commercially distributed. You are responsible for any fees charged and must ensure all licenses are in place before submitting your game.

5. NextBASIC game submissions must be written in NextBASIC only. No Machine code, in-line Assembly routines or other code types are allowed. Next "standard" drivers and dot commands (those found on the SD card), Next registers and native drivers that are openly available via NextBASIC are permitted. We want to see what you can do with the language in its native format.

6. For NextBASIC entries, you must submit a version that can be executed using the RUN command.

7. NextBuild games must be written using the NextBuild libraries and run on ZX Spectrum Next hardware. Additional assembly routines are allowed but should be used sparingly, not form the bulk of the game. We want to see what you can do with the language in its "basic" format. You can use your own custom libraries, but you must explain how this works.

8. You are responsible for ensuring no copyright or licensing infringements. You must seek written permission from license holders and pay any associated fees should you copy an existing game or game elements. If you're unsure, please ask.

10. Those games that don't win don't necessarily lose out. We plan on making an SD Card-based "cover tape" similar to those issues by CRASH magazine for the 2026 Annual. By submitting your game, you agree to be included.

11. A panel of Next Magazine contributors will judge games and their associated code and notes, and the games will be reviewed as part of Next Magazine. The winner of each category will be announced at CRASH Live! 2025

12. The winner of each category will receive a cash prize of £250 and the chance to have their game published by Fusion Retro Games Ltd in 2026, subject to the quality meeting the required standards. Fusion Retro Games reserves the right to ask the developer to adjust the game to ensure it meets the expected quality of a commercial release. Royalties are to be discussed with winners post-competition.

13. Next Magazine and Fusion Retro Booksg Ltd reserve the right to change or cancel the competition and its rules at any time.