Global Game Jam (GGJ), the world's largest game creation event, is almost here. The 2026 edition will take place from Monday, January 26 to Sunday, February 1. As in previous years, the event will center on a single theme, which will be revealed on Sunday, January 25.
In recent years, the scale of the Global Game Jam has continued to grow. Last year's edition resulted in the creation of approximately 12,000 new games, developed by more than 35,000 participants from around the world. These games were produced during the event's signature 48-hour, hackathon-style format.
The GGJ is made possible through the support of its sponsors. This year's headline sponsors include Xsolla, Games for Change, and Epic Games.
The event will once again feature Diversifiers, which are optional secondary constraints that participants may choose to incorporate alongside the main theme. Diversifiers are organized into seven categories: Accessibility, Art, Audio, Code, Design, Narrative, and Meta. These challenges can help distinguish projects and may make them eligible for specific awards.
The Global Game Jam continues to welcome participants of all backgrounds and experience levels. It also encourages experimentation, whether by exploring new development tools or by stepping into unfamiliar roles within the realm of game development.
Prep Week begins today. This annual series of livestreams highlights sponsors, partners, and community initiatives while helping participants prepare for the jam. The full schedule is available on the Prep Week news page.
Registrations are open. Participants may take part in person, online, or through a hybrid format that combines both approaches. Individual jam sites operate on their own schedules throughout the event.
To participate or learn more, visit the official Global Game Jam website.
