Thanks to everyone who participated!

A big special thank you to everyone who participated, made, or shared this jam. 

Hopefully we won't feel the need to do this again. Good luck to everyone fighting for democracy and sovereignty! 

Want to submit your game? 

Feel free to post about your game in the community tab. We’d still love to see it!

Below is the original jam description:

Never 51

What if the United States expanded its borders, not by invitation, but by force?

Welcome to "Never 51," a global game jam inviting creators to explore the chaotic possibilities of a world where America adds a 51st state against the will of the people. This is your chance to imagine and design a reality shaped by resistance, cultural clashes, and the unintended consequences of forced expansion.

Premise

The United States has reignited its expansionist ambitions, annexing sovereign nations that never asked to join. From the bustling streets of an unwilling metropolis to rural communities grappling with their new identity, your game can explore the political, social, and personal impacts of this controversial move. How do people resist? What does "statehood" mean when it's imposed? When the American dream comes to your land, will you wake up from the nightmare?

Why are we doing this?

People in Greenland, Panama, and Canada are all hearing the threat of forced annexation coming from the American president and are rightfully concerned.

What's more, Americans don't seem to get why any of this matters. Let's try making games to reach more Americans and creatively show them why the rest of the world does not want to be forced into being a part of the USA.

Possible themes to explore

• Resistance and Identity: How do individuals and communities fight back against forced assimilation?
• Cultural Collision: What happens when two vastly different societies are forced to coexist under one flag?
• Political Satire: Use humor to critique imperialism and explore the absurdities of annexation.
• Dystopian Futures: Imagine a world where unchecked expansionism leads to global unrest or authoritarian rule.

First time making a game?

Perfect! It's easy to get into making games you can check out interactive narrative writing tools like Twine or use Downpour on your phone.

You can even submit an idea for a game if that's more your thing.

Playable at Toronto Games Week

Some games will be playable at Toronto Games Week on June 14th. Details to come.

Inspiration 

"We need to respond to the Trump-Musk project at the strategic level,...we have to put forward a positive vision, worth fighting for."- https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/apr/02/donald-trump-elon-musk-capitalism-us-democracy

https://www.reddit.com/r/geopolitics/comments/1jopoab/schooled_by_trump_americans_are_learning_to/

https://aftermath.site/gdc-2025-travel-visa-san-francisco-donald-trump-mahmoud-k...

https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/danielleharlow/viz/UnitedStatesDisappearedTracker/Map

Add a news story or art project that you think is important in the community discussion.

FAQ

Do I have to use a particular game engine or software?

You can use anything you want to make your game. It can even be a tabletop game too!

 Can I submit my game/story to more than one jam? 

Yes, just make sure to follow the rules of each jam you submit to.

What if I miss the deadline?

Feel free to post about your game in the community tab. We’d still love to see it!

Do I have to spend the whole jam period making working on my submission?
No, you don't have to spend the whole time working on you submission.