Global Game Jam 2026 - Christchurch

Register for the Jam here: GGJ26 Registration Form

Global Game Jam is back for 2026! Come along to the University of Canterbury as we try, once again, to smash out a physical or digital game in 48 (ish) hours! This event is an in-person jam. However, if you are unable to make it, you can still participate hybrid or online!

The Jam launch will begin on Friday 30th at 6:00 pm and the theme will be announced by 7:00 pm. Submissions will be due on Sunday the 1st of Feb at 5:00 pm.

The Len Lye building is booked for:

• Friday 30th - 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
• Saturday 31st - 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Sunday 1st - 10:00 am to 9:00 pm

Note: There are other NZ sites. This meetup event page is for the Christchurch site.

FAQ
Can I bring code, art assets, sounds, etc with me to the jam?
Yes, you may bring pre-existing resources with you, such as engines, code, art, sounds, etc, but don’t come with a game already made. In the spirit of the jam, it's about what you create with your team in line with the theme.

What's the official hashtag for Global Game Jam 2026?
#GGJ26. We also encourage using #chchgamedev for our site.

Do I need to come to Global Game Jam with a team already formed?
No, you don’t. Ideally, everyone forms teams on the Friday (we will facilitate this in person), and from there gets the chance to work with some new collaborators! You will have some time to think about and pitch ideas. Make new friends or jam with peers you admire.

Do I need any special skills to participate in the Jam?
Although having computer skills is helpful, experience is not necessary. Designers, developers, artists, and anyone is welcome to try their hand at making a game during the jam. Even if you have no experience at all, you can still participate by contributing ideas, play-testing, and giving moral support to your team. You could work on a non-digital game, and then there's no need for code!

Is the jam only for professionals?
Not at all. Everyone is welcome.

Who owns the Intellectual Property of a game made during the jam?
The team/makers of the game hold all the IP rights. However, GGJ retains a copy of the source and game, making it available for public download for non-commercial use to the general public.

What software should I use to make a game?
You can develop using any tools for any platform that you want. If you don't know where to start, check out the list of Jammer Resources.

Can I make a board game, card game or other physical game instead of a video game?
Yes!

For more information about the Global Game Jam visit: https://globalgamejam.org/

We'd love for you to join our local game development community, please join us!
Discord: https://discord.gg/CxZwtN6XKj
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/chchgamedev.bsky.social
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/christchurch-game-developers-new-zealand/
Website: https://chch.gamedev.co.nz

This event is brought to you by the Christchurch Game Developers Association, and with support from Screen Canterbury, CerebralFix, Yoobees College, the HIT Lab's AIGI, and our individual Patreons.