GGJ Partners with G4C to Empower Future Game Makers, GGJ 2026 Is Coming

The Global Game Jam and Games for Change have again partnered to create the world’s largest student game jam in support of the Games for Change G4C Student Challenge. This jam seeks to engage young people in creating games to tackle global issues.

GGJ Next is an annual event operated by the Global Game Jam to serve youth ages 10-18 who are interested in learning about the creation of video games. The G4C Student Challenge is a game design competition that invites youth to create digital social impact games, and uses youth interest in video games to develop skills around coding, digital design, creativity, problem solving and more.

Through this collaboration, GGJ Next jam organizers can run their jams between Nov. 15, 2025 and March 15, 2026 to develop games that can be submitted to the G4C Student Challenge. The winning G4C Student Challenge Game of the Year team will receive a $10,000 USD scholarship to be shared among team members. New in 2026: GGJ will also be recognizing the best GGJ Next games from each participating country.

Educator and/or jam facilitator training will be available around the game jam themes as well as curriculum from both Games for Change and Global Game Jam. A number of stipends are available to GGJ Next sites.

For more on GGJ Next, including how to join in 2 easy steps, visit the GGJ Next page here.

https://globalgamejam.org/ggjnext

We’d also encourage you to check out one of our two upcoming GGJ Next webinars. You’ll learn more about the G4C Student Challenge and hear about tips for organizing a GGJ Next site from GGJ Next organizers.

Wednesday, 26 November at 1 P.M. UTC/8 A.M. ET: GGJ Next + G4C International Webinar Register Here!

https://luma.com/m376ik74

Richard  Hebblewhite. Image credit: BAFTA/Maxine Howells/GuruLiveCymru

Global Game Jam and Games for Change are also joining together for the G4C-GGJ Next Gen Expert Jam to engage the next generation of game creators and innovators ages 18-25 in tackling global social challenges through the medium of video games. Between Nov. 15, 2025 and March 15, 2026, the G4C-GGJ Next Gen Expert Jam will support game jammers in creating games to submit to the G4C Student Challenge’s Expert Division. You do NOT need to be a student nor an expert to participate in the G4C Student Challenge Expert Division, that is just the competition and division name for participants between ages 18-25.

Participants can create digital games, tabletop games, character design or a game trailer around one of three social impact themes：

• Outgrow Hunger,
• Own the Road or
• All in for Nature: Reefs & Rainforests.

The winning Game of the Year team will receive a $10,000 USD scholarship (as a cash prize) to be shared among team members. Awards will also be presented for each of the three themes, best tabletop game, best international game, best gameplay, best game trailer and best game made with Unity.  New in 2026, GGJ will also be recognizing a game from each participating GGJ Next country.

To learn the multiple ways you can join the Next Gen Expert Jam, visit the G4C-GGJ Next Gen Expert Jam page here：

https://globalgamejam.org/g4c-ggj-2026

Richard  Hebblewhite. Image credit: BAFTA/Maxine Howells/GuruLiveCymru

Global Game Jam 2026 site registration is now open! Planning to run a GGJ site? Sign yours up today! Just go to www.globalgamejam.org, and select “Host a Jam Site.”

We’re also looking for nominees for the GGJ 2026 Keynote Speaker! Do you know a great presenter and industry leader who embodies the mission of GGJ? Nominate them to give our global keynote in January.

Got great ideas for a GGJ 2026 Diversifier? Share your diversifier suggestions here!