WHY?

It's that time of year again! It's olcCodeJam Time! It doesn't matter what your level of experience is, the CodeJam welcomes all to have a go at a project with a theme and a deadline. This is a CodeJam - which means you don't have to submit only games, but applications, demonstrations and other projects are welcome, as long as they adhere to the theme. The olcCodeJams usually get a wide viewing audience, so it's a great opportunity to take some pride in your work and show your stuff!

WHEN? - Starts 25 September 2026 @ 8pm BST

Why not join our discord server and chat about code with thousands of others: https://discord.com/invite/WhwHUMV

WHAT?

The theme will be announced when the jam starts. Wait for it here, or very likely there will be a theme reveal livestream, link to be posted soon.

HOW?

Its easy! 

1. Register with itch.io and join the CodeJam. This will allow you to keep up to date with CodeJam activity. 
2. Wait for the CodeJam to begin, and the theme to be announced.
3. Start Programming!
4. Submit your entry before the deadline. Once this passes, your entry is locked and is ready to be judged!
5. During judging, try as many other entries as you can, stream them, post the ones you like - remember the aim is to encourage people to have fun, and receiving a rating is a great feeling!
6. Once the judgment period ends, the winner will be announced!

RULES!

• Keep it clean, safe for work and reasonably family friendly.
• If you use assets you have not created, please credit them appropriately and in accordance with their license.
• Your entry should be original for this Jam.
• Unlike javidx9's YouTube channel, entries can be in any programming language or framework, so you are NOT limited to using olc::PixelGameEngine (though you can, and it compiles for browser now, just saying :P ), so feel free to create your entry however you want. HOWEVER: Past CodeJams have shown that browser based entries on average get more ratings because they are easy to access. This is NOT compulsory.
• The winner is decided by points awarded by the public and the community.
• A judges choice award is available. It's worth 893 internet points! Minor performance improvements!
• Unless otherwise announced, all dates and times, especially the deadline, is final.

Special 2026 Rule!

If you are feeling especially brave or foolish, you may want to take the Beta version of olc::PixelGameEngine 3 for a spin. Those who accept this challenge and submit will be immortalised in the header file for the rest of humanity to bask in the glow of your contribution to this Sisyphean community effort. 

What about AI then?

A CodeJam should be about you creating code, not an algorithm using someone else's code. So you are encouraged to code your entry yourself. Seasoned CodeJam-er's can spot AI slop a mile away, and will label your submission accordingly during judging. As for assets, such as imagery or music, please declare if you have used generative AI and which models you have used.

Entries which look human made WILL score higher than those using AI. If you are in doubt, jump on our discord server and share your jam progress. The community follows with interest participants progress and its a great way to validate your efforts.