Global Game Jam 2026 Launches with Epic Games as Headline Sponsor

The Global Game Jam 2026 officially kicks off! As the event approaches, we are launching our first weekly newsletter to bring you the most up-to-date GGJ 2026 developments.

Quick Rundown of This Issue’s Highlights:

• GGJ submission license policy undergoes significant updates 📑
• Epic Games joins as Headline Sponsor for 2026 with Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) 🎉
• Last call for site registrations; participant sign-ups are in full swing 📣
• Prep Week schedule (January 19-23) announced 📅
• Exclusive for the GGJ community: Discount for Pocket Gamer Connects London 2026 tickets 🎟️
• Community Spotlight: The journey of a Colombian studio taking their GGJ game to commercial release

License Policy Innovation: Granting Creators Greater Autonomy
To adapt to the evolution of game development methods and in response to community feedback, GGJ has officially updated its submission license policy, which has been in place for over a decade. Starting in 2026, we will no longer mandate a single license agreement. Instead, a more flexible new rule will be implemented: creator teams can independently choose the licensing method suitable for their work, needing only to meet two core requirements: 1) Not claiming to grant rights beyond what they possess; and 2) Granting the GGJ platform the perpetual right to host the submitted work.

Participants are still required to upload an executable game file or a link to a web-based game on the GGJ platform. While the platform does not mandate the upload of source code, if open-source components requiring code disclosure are used, or if creators wish to share assets, code, or other resources with the community, these can also be submitted alongside the work. Please note that all shared content must include a clear license declaration file (e.g., CC 4.0, MIT, etc.).

Epic Games Joins with UEFN, Empowering Developers Worldwide
We are delighted to announce that Epic Games and its Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) will be the Headline Sponsor for GGJ 2026. Epic Games stated: “We are thrilled to join the Global Game Jam as Headline Sponsor, supporting the growth of game developers worldwide and empowering them to learn, experiment, and innovate.”

Since its launch in 2023, UEFN has provided developers with a robust suite of Unreal Engine tools, enabling them to easily share their creative work directly with a massive audience across PC, console, and mobile platforms. Developers can quickly get started through Epic’s official tutorials, community resources, and starter templates, exploring the complete path of creating, publishing, and even monetizing within Fortnite. Follow their official communities on platforms like X and Discord for the latest updates and to connect with peers.

Site Registrations Closing Soon, Participant Sign-Ups Remain Open
Registrations for physical GGJ sites will close on January 12. As of now, 545 sites have been approved globally, with an additional 153 sites under review. Developers interested in participating in on-site events are encouraged to complete their registrations as soon as possible. If there is no site in your area yet, you can subscribe to our weekly updates to be notified as soon as new sites go live.

https://globalgamejam.org/user/login

Prep Week Schedule Announced, Helping You Gear Up
The annual Prep Week activities are scheduled for January 19 to 23. A series of livestreams will provide in-depth introductions to sponsor resources, partners, and various creative themes, covering topics such as how to optimize your jam experience, analysis of the “Games for Change” Student Challenge topics, and hands-on demonstrations from sponsors. The detailed schedule is available on the official website.

Community-Exclusive Benefit: Discount for London Industry Summit Tickets
The Pocket Gamer Connects London games industry conference will be held on January 19-20, 2026. This year’s conference debuts the “Beyond Games Summit” and “Apps Business Summit,” focusing on the convergence of gaming with film, television, AI, fintech, and other fields. Members of the GGJ community can use the exclusive promo code GGJLDN20 to purchase tickets and enjoy industry insights and networking opportunities across two iconic venues.

https://www.pgconnects.com/london/registration/

Community Spotlight: From Game Jam to Commercial Release — The Journey of ASEIS Studios
ASEIS Studios from Medellín, Colombia, has participated in eight GGJs, and their 2025 jam game, Bubble Hero, is steadily progressing toward commercial release. “Today, Bubble Hero has evolved from a game jam prototype into an IP with a long-term vision,” said studio CEO Ana Sosa. She highly recommends GGJ to anyone interested in game development: “It is an ideal space to learn, challenge yourself, and fall in love with the creative process.”

The Global Game Jam remains committed to connecting creativity, empowering innovation, and nurturing future talent. We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 event and jointly shaping the future of games!

About Global Game Jam
The Global Game Jam is the world’s largest timed game creation event, encouraging innovation, experimentation, and collaboration while providing a platform for game developers worldwide to showcase their work and learn.