Do you have what it takes to make a great game? Enter the 2023 San Diego Jam hosted by IGDA San Diego and compete against other game developers to make the best game in just 1 weekend!

Participants will compete to make games based on a common theme and chosen mechanics. These games will be reviewed by a panel of industry professional judges who will give feedback and decide winners in different categories. 

• Grand Prize
• Best Audio
• Best Art
• Best Narrative
• Best Design

Make your own game! 

The San Diego Game Jam is a weekend-long friendly competition where teams of game developers create brand-new games based on a theme. The team that creates the best game wins.

Developers of all skill levels are welcome! Professionals, hobbyists, and even first-time devs should not miss this amazing opportunity to make games and connect with other game makers.

Please join the IGDA San Diego Discord to get more information on this event!

Theme:

• You really shouldn't mix those

Modifiers:

• Jam Foods (Empanadas, Pizza, Cinnamon Rolls, Sandwiches)
• Frog
• Never Alone

Event Details:

Ticket Prices

General Admission (in person) - $30 

General Information:

• Jam is in-person this year. (virtual jamming is allowed via the IGDA San Diego discord)
• Participants must be 18 years or older to participate.

Rules

• Participants will receive a theme at the start of the jam, which may be incorporated into their games as they see fit.
• The maximum team size is 6 people. Participants may work independently.
• Participants may not use any previously developed concepts, code, or assets.
• Participants may not use any assets or code that is not free and open to public use.
• Participants must complete and submit a game by 8PM on Sunday to be eligible for awards.
• Judges will review all game submissions and determine prize winners after the jam. The winners will be announced during a mixer event after the jam. Details to follow.
• Your game must be playable on both Mac and Windows OR in a browser.

Schedule:

FRIDAY

6:00pm - 6:30pm: Check in

6:30pm - 8:00pm:

Opening statements, ground rules, Keynote, and Theme reveal. Pitch ideas and form teams.

7:00pm: Jam starts! Pizza!

SATURDAY

Jam Jam Jam Jam

10:00am: Brunch

12:00pm: Recommended time to have game page set up.

5:00pm: Dinner

5:00pm: Venue Closes

SUNDAY

10:00am: Brunch

5:00pm: Dinner

7:00pm: Submission window closes 

7:15pm: Game showcase and wrap up!

Volunteer with us!

If you are interested in sponsoring, judging, volunteering, or just looking to give back to the local development community, please email contact@igdasandiego.org.

More Info!

What is a game jam?

A game jam is an event where pros and hobbyists come together to build a game in a set period of time, usually 48 hours. Participants are given a theme and set out to interpret that theme into a game in small groups.

Is this a competition?

Yes! Participants will compete to make games based on a common theme and chosen mechanics. These games will be reviewed by a panel of industry professional judges who will decide winners in different categories. Winners will receive great prizes!

• Grand Prize
• Best Audio
• Best Art
• Best Narrative
• Best Design

How many people will be there?

This year we expect a big turn out! Both virtual and in-person. 

Do I need to be a game developer to attend?

The jam is open to everyone regardless of skill level or profession.

What kind of games can I make?

Digital or analog games are accepted. If you’re not a programmer but have a great idea, turn it into a board game*! PC games should be playable on Windows and Mac. Browser-playable games are highly recommended.

*Board games must be print and play to be considered for judging.

Do I need to be an IGDA member to participate?

This event is open to the public. No membership is required, but IGDA membership helps fund future events!

Contact IGDA-SD!

Still have questions? Contact us at contact@igdasandiego.org!