THE LOST PS2 JAM

Presented by RUNE LABS

Make a game that feels like a forgotten PlayStation 2 classic.

Remember the early 2000s?

The strange experimental games. The unforgettable soundtracks. The chunky 3D worlds. The elaborate menus. The games you rented without knowing anything about them.

Some were masterpieces. Some were completely bizarre. Some were both.

We want to see what the PS2 era means to YOU.

Welcome to The Lost PS2 Jam, a free, community-driven celebration of sixth-generation videogame creativity.

THE CHALLENGE

Create an original game that captures your interpretation of the PlayStation 2 era.

That's it.

Maybe you'll make a mysterious Japanese horror game, a forgotten JRPG, a bizarre mascot platformer, a gritty action game, a stylish racing game, or something nobody has ever imagined.

We're interested in more than polygon counts.

Think about the art direction, sound design, gameplay, interface, atmosphere, personality, and wonderful experimentation that defined the era.

We want the game you could swear you rented in 2004—but somehow never existed.

WHEN?

Development: October 23 – November 7, 2026

Community judging: November 7–14, 2026

Times are displayed by itch.io according to the configured jam schedule.

THE RULES

• Any engine, programming language, or development tool is welcome.
• Solo developers and teams are welcome.
• Any genre is allowed, including 2D, 3D, horror, RPG, action, simulation, puzzle, and experimental games.
• The main game should be created during the jam. Existing personal tools, code libraries, templates, and appropriately licensed assets are allowed.
• Original work only. Don't submit unauthorized copyrighted characters, music, ripped game assets, or commercial game content.
• AI-assisted tools are permitted, but please disclose meaningful generative AI usage and ensure that you have the necessary rights to use your assets.
• Submit a playable game through itch.io. Browser builds are encouraged, but downloadable games are welcome.
• Provide controls and basic instructions on your submission page.
• Keep the community welcoming. Harassment, hateful material targeting real people or groups, and plagiarism are not permitted.
• Participants retain full ownership of their games. 
• The RUNE LABS organizer may participate and submit a game for exhibition, but organizer submissions are not eligible for the grand prize or official awards.

You do not need to own a PS2, develop for actual PS2 hardware, or use any RUNE LABS software.

Your interpretation matters more than technical authenticity.

JUDGING

Entries will be rated on four criteria:

PS2 Spirit: How convincingly does the game evoke the era?

Creativity: Does the game bring its own personality and ideas?

Gameplay / Experience: Is it fun, engaging, atmospheric, or otherwise memorable?

Presentation: How effectively do the visuals, sound, interface, and overall polish work together?

A technically rough but wonderfully imaginative submission can still be something special.

🏆 PRIZES & RECOGNITION

Grand Prize — $100 USD Digital Gift Card

The highest-ranked eligible game, based on the combined community ratings across all four judging criteria, will receive a $100 USD digital gift card, subject to regional availability.

If entries tie, the game with the higher PS2 Spirit rating wins. If they remain tied, RUNE LABS will select the winner from the tied entries.

Additional Honorary Awards

• Best PS2 Atmosphere
• Most Creative Game
• Best Gameplay
• Community Favorite

Honorary awards do not include additional monetary prizes. Award selections will be announced after community judging.

Participation is completely free. All creators retain full ownership of their games.

The RUNE LABS organizer may join the jam to support the community but is not eligible for prizes or official awards.

Most importantly, have fun, make something strange, and show us what the PS2 era means to you!

MOST IMPORTANTLY...

Have fun. Experiment. Make something strange.

Don't worry about building a giant finished game. A compelling ten-minute experience, a weird prototype, or one unforgettable level is absolutely welcome.

This jam is about rediscovering the creative spirit of an era when developers seemed willing to try just about anything.

Make something that feels lost in time.

— RUNE LABS

The Lost PS2 Jam is an independent community event and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sony Interactive Entertainment or PlayStation.