GAMERella Game Jam is the world’s longest running annual game jam and workshop series focusing on supporting equity-deserving game creators and aspiring game makers. Our next edition is planned for November 14-15, 2026.
Hundreds of people have made their very first game at GAMERella with the support of our amazing industry mentors, live and video workshops, and low-stress environment. NOW IT IS YOUR TIME!
As always, GAMERella invites women (cis/trans), trans men, non-binary/genderqueer and 2-spirited folks, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and any others who feel they haven’t had a chance to make a game, to join GAMERella in a weekend of fun game-making on November 14-15, 2026.
WHERE IS THE JAM?
In-person location: District 3 Innovation Centre: Concordia University - FB building, 6th floor (1250 Rue Guy, Montréal, QC H3H 2T4)
Jam from home: You can also jam from anywhere! Claim an online ticket and you will be invited to our Discord, where you and your team will be able to watch our keynote, access our mentors, find other teammates, and interact with the community.
Our online support package is available HERE.
WHEN IS THE JAM?
November 14-15, 2026
The jam will start Saturday at 10am and wrap up at Sunday 8pm. However, we think sleeping is more important than making games, so we will all be sending you home on Saturday night to have a good night’s sleep!
All participants will be invited to submit their game to our itch.io jam page!
NEED A TEAM?
If you have a team already, you can skip this part! Just show up and jam the jam!
But if you are looking for a new team member or a whole team you can participate in our amazing in-person team-making session Saturday morning. No need to apply, just join us at the end of the opening notes.
HOW TO PREPARE?
1 . Sign up! We can't wait to meet you!
2 . Look through our FAQ, list of mentors, and values on our website before starting the jam!
3 . Don't have a team or missing a team-member? Don't worry! Participants can take part in our amazing team-making session. No sign-up necessary!
4. Bring cozy clothes, blankets and pillows that will keep you comfortable. Cozy hot beverages & food are on us!
5. Still unsure about something? Send us a message: jam@gamerella.ca! We want to know if there is anything else you might need to make this weekend less stressful for you!
THEME
…coming soon…
KEYNOTE
Inspiration, life lessons, context for the theme, and jamming tips will be delivered by this year's amazing keynote speaker:
…coming soon…
HEALTH & SAFETY
At GAMERella, we want to continue to exercise caution, approaching public health measures from a place of mutual care and in ways that ensure the well-being of all our participants. Our location is very well ventilated. But we are also amplifying ventilation with a large HEPA air filter. We encourage all participants to wear a surgical or higher-quality mask. KN94 masks will be provided free of charge to all participants. We will also be providing antigen testing on-site to keep our community protected. We ask all participants to test before entering the jam venue. During the jam, please ensure you are wearing your mask as much as possible and that you wipe down your workspace after use using the cleaning supplies we have provided. If you have COVID or other flu symptoms leading up to/during the jam, or test positive, please remain/return home and immediately notify the organizers. Thank you!
A NOTE ON AI
Over the last couple of years, jammers have asked if they can use ChatGPT/Claude or other GenAI products to make their games. We do not encourage this. Generative AI is both a significant sustainability issue due to the immense computing power it takes, and is also a labour issue where we are seeing our peers laid off in favour of AI tools. Additionally, it is important to learn basic game-making skills and tools yourself! Or find peers who can help you (and maybe teach you!) with their talents.
WE WOULDN'T BE HERE WITHOUT...
GAMERella 2026 is supported by EA Motive Studio and Behaviour.
And our wonderful host: D3 Innovation Hub.
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APPENDIX
The GAMERella Initiative is committed to supporting aspiring and emerging game makers by fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the gaming industry.
This initiative aligns with our organization's mission to create a gaming industry where historically underrepresented individuals are recognized, accepted, and celebrated, contributing to a society that values diversity and inclusion.
Our Commitment to Equity
GAMERella is committed to prioritizing equity deserving individuals, meaning those who belong to marginalized and underrepresented communities within the gaming industry. In particular, we aim to amplify the voices and participation of:
We recognize that many applicants may experience intersecting identities, shaping their experiences in unique ways. Our ticket assignment process embraces this complexity, ensuring that participants feel welcomed, valued, and supported in the jamming process.
Our focus is on aspiring and emerging game-makers in the early stages of their careers who are seeking experience within these intersections. Through this initiative, we strive to foster a more inclusive and representative gaming industry where all have the opportunity to be heard and thrive.
OUR STORY
Dissatisfied with the game spaces and opportunities provided for women in Montreal’s game scene, Gina Hara and Charlotte Fisher created GAMERella in 2013. Since then GAMERella has welcomed over 1500 participants in a low stress, learner-friendly environment from over 37 countries. GAMERella participants have come a long way over the years: founded over a dozen game studios, went to study games, became professional freelancers, got hired by many AAA studios, and even came back to GAMERella to teach, mentor and become organizers!
