Global Game Jam teams with One World or None for pro-democracy game ‘Citizens, Assemble!’

The world’s largest game creation event, Global Game Jam (GGJ), is joining forces with One World or None (OWON) to launch an inspiring new initiative that merges gameplay with civic purpose. Titled “Citizens, Assemble! A Game Jam to Level Up Democracy,” the event invites developers around the world to design mobile-friendly games that embody the power and process of Citizens’ Assemblies.

This bold event kicks off on June 6 and offers a $10,000 grand prize to the team behind the most impactful and creative game — plus additional awards and potential development support. Structured in two distinct phases, the jam first challenges teams to build prototypes within a two-week sprint. In Phase 2, teams will refine and iterate based on feedback before final submissions are judged across categories including Best Overall, Best Gameplay, and Citizen’s Vote, the latter determined by public input.

A platform for rethinking how democracy works

At the heart of the jam is the concept of Citizens’ Assemblies, democratic systems where a randomly selected, demographically representative group of people come together to tackle complex issues. These assemblies allow citizens to deeply deliberate on key topics and recommend real-world solutions that often surpass what elected officials propose — all while reflecting the true diversity of the population.

As democratic systems face increasing global pressure, “Citizens, Assemble!” empowers developers to use interactive storytelling and gameplay mechanics to raise awareness and inspire engagement with these inclusive models of governance.

Backed by visionary leadership and star-studded judges

The initiative comes from a powerhouse collaboration between OWON co-founders: Tristan Clark, co-founder of Trailmix Games (Love & Pies), and Jamie Kelsey-Fry, a leading advocate for democratic reform. Their mission is to create interactive experiences that highlight real, workable tools for societal transformation.

“We already have the tools around us to create a better future, but lack mass awareness of them,” said Clark. “That’s why this game jam is so important—video games have unmatched power to educate and engage at scale.”

Submissions will be judged by a panel of notable figures, including Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Brian Eno and Kish Hirani, founding Chair of BiG (BAME in Games) and a respected voice in diversity and innovation in the games industry.

Live launch at SXSW London

To celebrate the jam’s launch, the OWON team is hosting a special kickoff event at 10:30 AM on June 6 during SXSW London. The launch will introduce the jam’s goals, format, and give attendees a chance to connect with fellow creators and visionaries. Seats are limited, and participants are encouraged to RSVP early.

Developers interested in participating must register by June 23. Registration can be completed by joining the jam on itch.io and submitting the required application form, available via the official jam page.

For a full timeline, prize categories, judging criteria, and to sign up, visit the official jam site at: https://oneworldornone.world/the-game-jam