Do you have what it takes to make a great game? Enter the 2025 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. 

• Best Overall
• Best Audio
• Best Art
• Best Narrative
• Best Design
• Best Use of Theme

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: As above, so below

Modifiers:

• Delay the inevitable
  
• I'm just a little guy
• “There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep.” ― Homer, The Odyssey

Event Details:

Ticket Prices

General Admission (in person) - $40 (includes the cost of food)

General Information:

• Jam is in-person with hybrid or virtual jamming supported 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.
• Usage of AI/LLMs is prohibited and will disqualify your game from the competition.
• 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 Windows OR in a browser, preferably as many platforms as possible.

Schedule:

FRIDAY

5:30pm - 6:00pm: Check in

6:00pm - 8:00pm:

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

6:30pm: Jam starts! Pizza!

SATURDAY

Jam Jam Jam Jam

10:00am: Brunch

3:00pm: Recommended time to have the initial game page set up.

5:00pm: Dinner

9:00pm: 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
• Best Use of Theme

How many people will be there?

We average 30-60 jammers plus industry guests who come to check out the games.

Do I need to be a game developer to attend?

The jam is open to everyone regardless of skill level or profession. We will assist in finding teams and mentoring.

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 or Browser (playable games by Browser 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!

Why No AI/LLM usage?

LLMs get in the way of learning and the fun of making games with your peers. We aim to facilitate skill growth and networking for game developers in San Diego.

Godot's Reasons: https://godotengine.org/article/contribution-policy-2026/

Codeberg's Reasons: https://blog.codeberg.org/protecting-our-floss-commons-from-llms.html

Contact IGDA-SD!

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