THEME ~
TO BE REVEALED AT THE EVENT!
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!
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EVENT DETAILS ~
WHAT TO EXPECT
- 🕹️ - Games can be portable and playable on our custom-built arcade cabinets!
- 👩🏻💻 - Access to a co-working space downtown for your late-night and early game dev. needs.
- 🚀 - Theme reveal at launch to spark inspiration, chatter, and creativity.
- 👨🏻🏫 - Low-stakes and approachable presentations to work on your pitching skills.
- 👾 - Public playtests to demo and show off your games!
- 🏆 - Alongside an awarded overall winner (with five available prizes), we will have more titled category winners to shout out!
- 🤝 - Networking with other game developers, artists, musicians, and programmers to click with!
- 🍕- Light breakfast and lunches provided.
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.
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 17th ~ 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)
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 for both best practices and the limited number of available prizes.
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.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
One person from each team should create a submission page for their game through this itch.io portal. Each non-submitting team member should register themselves as a co-contributor on their team's page.
Each game/submission page should have a name, a short description, and at least one screenshot.
Ideally, please include a short screen recording of the game in action on your submission page - consider this your 'gameplay trailer'. We recommend using free screen recording tools such as OBS Studio or FRAPS.
Remember, all of the other jammers will get a chance to play your game during the playtest session, so your presentation and 'gameplay trailer' is your chance to 'hook' and encourage them to check it out! Keep presentations concise, but be sure to include aspects of your game and its development you want to show off!
If you have any questions about this process, please ask one of our organizers or volunteers.
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 created during the game jam. If you use premade assets, you must credit the original creator on your submission page.
While we acknowledge the proficiency use case of generative AI, we discourage and prohibit the use of any AI-generated code, art, sound, designs, 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.
PRIZES
We have multiple prize categories:
- Judges' Choice - Decided by a panel of judges.
- Best Overall - Awarded with $20 Steam gift cards.
- Best in Gameplay
- Best in Visuals
- Best in Audio
- Best in Theme
- People's Choice - Voted for by every jammer during the final showcase, this is the game that receives the highest overall score.
GENERAL ADVICE
- Pre-install any large tools/technologies/game engines onto your machine before the event.
- Get plenty of rest the night before in-person days!
- Take plenty of breaks - your week's schedule is entirely your own!
- Most importantly, have fun!
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SPONSORS ~
This event was made possible through the generosity and ongoing support of our sponsors: