I want to make the intended scope of Steel & Storm Jam 2026 explicit: the schedule is short, and I do not expect anyone to build a large game.

A small playable prototype is a complete and valid submission. Aim for one clear core loop: one player action, one pressure or threat, one thing to defend, and one win or lose condition. A short game that is playable and understandable is enough.

If you have extra time, you are welcome to add more levels, art, audio, mechanics, or polish. But those additions are optional, not the baseline expectation.

The rules now include a lightweight-scope guideline. Please keep your project manageable, finish something playable, and share it with the Jam.

Hold the line.

Welcome to the first two participants in Steel & Storm Jam 2026.

Thank you for joining early. The Jam opens on 7 August at 00:00 UTC+8. The theme is Hold the Line: one small playable game with a clear core loop is enough.

You are both within the first-10 early supporter group and will receive the private 30% OFF coupon details through itch.io when the reward period opens.

If you want a fast starting point, the free Hold the Line Browser Starter Pack is available on the Jam page. You are welcome to share an idea or work-in-progress in this community before the Jam begins.

Good luck, and hold the line.

Hi honzaSL, I like the small-scope one-change premise for Butterfly Effect Jam. I am hosting Steel & Storm Jam 2026 (Hold the Line, Aug 7-17 UTC+8) and I am currently preparing a small playable game build to upload when it opens.

Since both jams are about to start and have a small early group, would you be open to joining each other's Jam pages as early participants? There is no request to cross-submit a project or to make a submission commitment; it is simply mutual support for two new Jam pages.

https://itch.io/jam/steel-storm-jam-2026

I will join Butterfly Effect Jam as well. Thank you for considering it.

Steel & Storm Jam 2026 now has three reward tiers.

TOP 3

Each of the top three eligible entries in the final overall ranking receives both premium GLB model packs for free:

Jagdpanther High Detail GLB Content

Tiger I High Detail GLB Content

FIRST 10 PARTICIPANTS

The first 10 non-host accounts that join the Jam receive a private 30% OFF coupon for Steel Expedition and both premium model packs. The coupon has 10 total redemptions, is one use per eligible account, cannot be transferred, and is sent through itch.io.

RANKS 4-10

Eligible final ranks 4 through 10 receive a private 50% OFF coupon for both premium model packs. It has seven total redemptions, one per winning entry, and becomes valid after the results are final.

Rewards require compliance with the Jam rules. No cash alternatives.

Join early, make a playable game, and hold the line.

Steel & Storm Jam 2026 runs from 7 August 00:00 to 17 August 00:00 UTC+8. We are happy to make a one-time, voluntary upcoming-jam mention with other organizers whose schedules do not overlap.

We will only post about another Jam after its host agrees. In the meantime, here are several public, non-overlapping upcoming Jams that may be useful to participants planning their next project:

• Mini Jame Gam #58 - 21 to 24 August 2026
• Filipino Horror Game Jam 2026 - 1 to 30 September 2026
• Spooktober 8th Annual Visual Novel Jam - 1 September to 1 October 2026
• Uplifting Game Jam - 2 to 15 September 2026
• Godot XR Game Jam - Sep 2026 - 21 to 28 September 2026

Jam organizers: reply here if you would like a reciprocal, one-time link or announcement. We will add the agreed link and keep the coordination public and low-volume.

Steel & Storm Jam 2026 Is Now Open

Theme: Hold the Line

Make a small, playable game about defending something that matters under pressure. Protect a convoy, survive the storm, hold a final position, preserve a signal, defend a teammate, or interpret the theme in your own way.

Tanks are welcome, but they are not required.

Submit by 17 August

Submissions close on 17 August 2026 at 00:00 UTC+8.

• Existing code, engines, tools, templates, and personal libraries are allowed, but your entry must include a meaningful jam-period update.
• Submit a public, free-to-play jam build. Browser builds are preferred; Windows, macOS, and Linux downloads are welcome.
• Teams may have up to five people.
• You must have the rights to everything in your entry.
• AI-assisted work is allowed. Clearly disclose meaningful AI-generated or AI-assisted assets, code, text, audio, or images on your game page.
• Include clear controls, at least one screenshot or cover image, and a short note explaining how your game relates to the theme.

Community voting runs from 17 August 2026 at 00:00 to 20 August 2026 at 23:59 UTC+8. Please play entries before rating and leave constructive feedback.

Keep the scope focused. Finish something playable. Hold the line.