Calgary Game Developers

Indie Game Bash 2026

25 de abr. de 2026 16:30 MDT

Globe Cinema, 617 - 8 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB, CA

Indie Game Bash returns in collaboration with the Calgary Underground Film Festival. This year with FOREHEAD CHIP, a platformer multiplayer game from Calgary developer David Kerr will be the game of the competition.

Easy to pick up and wildly competitive, FOREHEAD CHIP pits players against each other in fast-paced rounds where quick thinking and a little bit of luck can make all the difference. Competitors will battle through a live tournament bracket in front of the Indie Game Bash crowd for bragging rights and prizes!

EVENT INFO:
3:45-4:30 pm: Doors & registration at the Globe Cinema. Register to play in the tournament! Advance registration encouraged with the ticket purchase option. Limited walk up spots may also be available.
4:30-6:30 pm: Tournament. All are welcome to play or watch.

TICKET INFO:
Player Ticket: $12
Audience Viewer Ticket: $10 (General Admission) / $8 (Student, Senior & CUFF Member)

A demo of FOREHEAD CHIP is available on Steam for players who want to get some practice in before the tournament.
Steam Indie Game Bash

Arcade Jam 2026

08 de mai. de 2026 12:00 MDT

Platform Calgary, 407 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB, CA

## Overview ~

Celebrating the button-smashing, frenetic, and voracious coin-gobbling spirit of arcade games, join us in developing bit-sized wonders, as this is your chance to build something bold and unforgettable.
This game jam challenges developers of all skill levels to create original arcade-style games within an extended week (May 8-17, 2026)! You will have plenty of time to focus on simple controls, addictive gameplay loops, high scores, and that timeless feeling of "just one more round."
This event is beginner-friendly and dedicated to personal and professional development! If you haven't participated in a jam before, come on and try it out!

CGDA+ members will receive an email with a discount code for the event!
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## Event Details ~

### What to Bring

• 🖥️ - Any equipment you need to contribute to in your own way, whether that's a computer, tablet, or pad of paper! Note that the venue is not open overnight.
• 🌊 - BRING WATER! Game development is exhausting - please bring a water bottle!
• 🎟️ - Registration for our event before you arrive on-site with our Showpass page!
• 🙇 - Yourself! Whether you’re a retro purist or innovating with a modern twist, bring your A-game and show us what arcade means to you.

### Arcade Cabinet Requirements

For extra immersion, consider making your submissions compatible with our custom-built arcade cabinets! These cabinets reside across the city (including at Platform Calgary) and are a fantastic way to showcase your button-mashing, stick-jolting games!
It's easier than you think! Here's a link to our simple guidelines!

### Teams

Teams should be limited to a maximum of five members, both for best practices and due to the limited prizes available.
Attendees may come with a team already organized; however, in the spirit of the jam, it's preferred that you form a team at the event once the theme has been announced. Use this event as an opportunity to meet new people, learn each other's skill sets, and work with someone different!
Help us make this event a positive experience for everyone! Be generous, kind, and respectful to your teammates and others. If you notice someone is still looking for a team, please do your best to take them in.

### Jam Rules

You're welcome to utilize any tools/technologies/game engines you wish, as we highly encourage that all assets (code, art, sounds, etc.) should be creative during the game jam. If you use premade assets, you must credit the original creator on your submission page.
While we acknowledge proficiency with generative AI, we discourage and prohibit the use of any AI-generated code, art, sound, etc. You must have the rights to use the content included in your game. Open-source and public domain assets are encouraged.
The Calgary Game Developers Association is dedicated to creating a positive, respectful, and inclusive environment. Please respect your fellow jammers as no harassment or divisive behaviour is tolerated. Behaviour at this event is in accordance with the CGDA Bylaws and can be referenced therein.

### Event Schedule

Arcade Jam 2026 is a week-long event, split between two weekends!

#### Friday, May 8th ~ East Annex (Platform Calgary)

• 10:00 am - 4:00 pm - Indie Friday (co-working session)
• 4:00 pm - Check-In Opens
• 5:00 pm - How to Jam: A Beginner's Guide (presented by Twig)
• 6:00 pm - Opening Notes, Housekeeping, and Theme Reveal
• 11:59 pm - Venue Closes

#### Friday, May 15th ~ East Annex (Platform Calgary)

• 10:00 am - 4:00 pm - Indie Friday (co-working session)

#### Saturday, May 16th ~ East Annex (Platform Calgary)

• 9:00 am - Venue Opens (light breakfast)
• 1:00 pm - Lunch
• 11:59 pm - Venue Closes

#### Sunday, May 16th ~ Pitch Stage & West Hall (Platform Calgary)

• 9:00 am - Venue Opens (light breakfast, pitch stage open for AV testing)
• 10:00 am - Presentations on the Platform Pitch Stage (SUBMISSIONS DUE ON ITCH)
• 12:00 pm - Playtest & Showcase Session in the West Hall
• 12:30 pm - Lunch
• 3:00 pm - Awards & Closing Remarks
• 3:30 pm - That's all, folks, time to go home! (Unofficial Post-Mortem @ Bear & Kilt Freehouse)

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## Sponsors ~

This event was made possible through the generosity and ongoing support of our sponsors:
Platform Calgary & Bow Valley College