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| (Image Source: Global Game Jam) |
Global Game Jam® (GGJ) and Games for Change (G4C) are entering a new phase of their multi-year partnership to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and social impact among young game creators. Together, the organizations are launching two aligned initiatives for the 2025–2026 cycle: GGJ Next (for ages 10–18) and the G4C–GGJ Next Gen Expert Jam (for ages 18–25).
While the collaboration is already underway, the jam window is open until March 2026, giving participants around the world the opportunity to create digital games, tabletop games, character designs or game trailers addressing real-world challenges. Both programs support participants in developing games for the G4C Student Challenge, the world’s largest social-impact game design competition for youth. “Collaboration is a core tenet of Global Game Jam. Partnering with Games for Change allows us both to bring our youth jams to a wider international audience in support of our shared mission to empower the next generation of game creators,” said GGJ Executive Director Maria Burns Ortiz.
GGJ NEXT: The World’s Largest Student Game Jam (Ages 10–18)
GGJ Next returns as an accessible, global event where young creators can develop essential STEAM skills, including coding, creativity, collaboration, and problem solving. From now until March 15, 2026, creators may submit their creations to the G4C Student Challenge where the Game of the Year winner receives a US$10,000 scholarship shared among the team. For the 2026 edition, Global Game Jam will introduce country-level awards, recognizing standout GGJ Next submissions from each participating nation. Those interested in hosting their own GGJ Next jam can begin by completing the GGJ Next Interest Form and registering their site at globalgamejam.org. Hosts should select “Host A Jam Site” and choose “GGJ Next” as their audience. After registration, a regional organizer will schedule a short interview to guide them through the process. The jam structure is designed to align with school and after-school schedules, making participation more accessible for students worldwide. Young creators can participate as jammers through any registered local site. If no jam is available in their area, they can join virtually via the GGJ Next itch.io page. The themes for GGJ Next 2026 are directly aligned with the G4C Student Challenge themes.
• Outgrow Hunger – Design a game where players care for a natural space that nourishes and supports a community. Inspire players to explore, protect, and grow their world.
• Own The Road – Create a game that promotes safer behavior in and around vehicles, reducing the risks associated with road environments. Games should educate, engage, and empower players to make smart, life-saving decisions on the road.
• All In For Nature: Reefs & Rainforests – Draw inspiration from the natural world. Focus on a reef or rainforest near your home, one you dream of visiting, or a fictional ecosystem of your own creation. Design a game that tells the story of a reef or rainforest under threat, and how communities come together to protect it.
G4C–GGJ NEXT GEN EXPERT JAM: A Jam For Emerging Creators (Ages 18–25)
This aligned initiative invites emerging creators to develop games focused on global social challenges, with three ways to take part:
1. Join As A Virtual Jammer
The GGJ Next itch.io jam page will serve as the central hub for all the information and event schedule. (Note: Uploading to itch.io does not equal a G4C submission – participants must also submit through the G4C Portal.)
2. Participate during Global Game Jam 2026 (January 26–February 1)
Jammers can take part by selecting one of the three G4C Diversifiers during GGJ. After uploading their GGJ project, participants receive instructions on submitting to the G4C Portal. Participants may submit their GGJ game as-is and continue development until the March 2026 deadline. Post-GGJ, jammers will have access to feedback, mentors, and expert guidance.
3. Host an in-person jam at a college or university
To begin planning, contact GGJ Director of Programs and Events Richard Hebblewhite via e-mail at richard@globalgamejam.org.
G4C Student Challenge Requirements (Ages 18–25)
Games must be browser-playable via URL and should be made through a free/open development platform (Scratch, Unity, Construct, Co-Spaces, Twine, Godot, etc.). These must address one of the three themes: Outgrow Hunger, Own The Road, and All In For Nature: Reefs & Rainforests. These games should be original works from teams of 1–4 creators with digital games, tabletop games, game trailers, and character designs as eligible formats to be submitted. To learn more, check out the G4C Student Challenge Handbook at GamesForChange.org.
Aside from the G4C Game of the Year, the G4C Student Challenge will also announce the following recognitions for the selected submissions from young creators: best theme-based game (3 categories), best tabletop game, best international game, best gameplay, best trailer, and best Unity game. In 2026, GGJ will recognize one outstanding game from each participating GGJ country. Participants must select “Attended A Student Challenge Game Jam” and “Yes, it was a Global Game Jam Event.” when submitting via the G4C Portal. For more information on the 2025–2026 G4C Student Challenge, visit https://learn.gamesforchange.org/student-challenge.
