Global Game Jam and Games for Change launch aligned youth initiatives for 2025–2026

Global Game Jam and Games for Change have entered a new stage in their multi-year collaboration by launching two aligned programs aimed at empowering young creators to develop socially driven games. The new cycle features GGJ Next for participants ages 10 to 18 and the G4C–GGJ Next Gen Expert Jam for creators ages 18 to 25. Both initiatives are built to encourage youth to address real-world issues through design and storytelling.

The jam window remains open until March 2026, giving participants time to produce digital games, tabletop projects, trailers, or character designs. Submissions may also enter the G4C Student Challenge, widely regarded as the largest social-impact game design competition for young creators.

Maria Burns Ortiz, executive director of Global Game Jam, said the partnership allows both organizations to expand their reach and foster a stronger global community of youth developers. She emphasized that collaboration is central to Global Game Jam’s mission.

GGJ Next expands opportunities for youth creators

GGJ Next returns as an accessible, worldwide event that helps young developers strengthen STEAM skills, including coding, creativity, teamwork, and problem solving. The 2025–2026 jam runs from Nov. 15, 2025, to March 15, 2026. Games built during this period may be submitted to the G4C Student Challenge, where the Game of the Year team receives a USD $10,000 scholarship.

In 2026, Global Game Jam will introduce new country-level awards to recognize standout submissions from each participating nation. Individuals interested in hosting a GGJ Next site can register through globalgamejam.org, after which a regional organizer will conduct a brief interview and guide them through planning. The structure aligns with school and after-school schedules to increase accessibility for students worldwide.

Three participation pathways for emerging creators

Young creators can join through any registered local site or participate virtually via the GGJ Next itch.io page. Themes for 2026 reflect the G4C Student Challenge categories: Outgrow Hunger, Own the Road, and All in for Nature: Reefs & Rainforests.

Emerging developers ages 18 to 25 may also take part during Global Game Jam 2026 by selecting one of the G4C Diversifiers. They may submit their GGJ game as-is or continue refining it until March, with access to mentors and expert feedback after the jam. Colleges and universities can host in-person jams by coordinating with GGJ director of programs and events Richard Hebblewhite.

The G4C Student Challenge requires browser-playable games built with free or open platforms such as Scratch, Unity, Construct, Twine, Co-Spaces, or Godot. Eligible formats include digital games, tabletop concepts, trailers, and character design entries from teams of one to four creators.

Awards include the USD $10,000 Game of the Year scholarship, along with multiple category recognitions. Beginning in 2026, Global Game Jam will also honor one outstanding game from each participating country. When submitting to the G4C Portal, participants must indicate that they attended a Student Challenge Game Jam and confirm it was part of Global Game Jam.