April 18 to 27, 2026

Pixel Forge Jam

Build a game forged by hand.

Join the Jam Join Discord

Supported by sponsors.

Craftpix CodeCrafters Wolfram Aseprite gen.xyz Minifantasy Easel PixelOver Pyxel Edit WeLoveIndies Gabriel Cortabraz

About

Format
Online
Duration
7 Days
Submission platform
itch.io
Teams
Upto 4 Members
Community
Discord based
Outcome
Prizes and recognition
Pixel Forge Jam logo

Ship something concrete

Finish a real game.

Try risky ideas fast

Short deadlines make bold ideas easier to try.

Be seen by other creators

Get feedback and something to show later.

2026 Timeline

April 18

Jam starts

The theme goes live and the build week begins.

April 20

Brawl Stars competition

Side competition opens.

April 22

Block Blast competition

Second side competition begins.

April 27 (Extended)

Submission deadline

Submit your build, credits, and theme note before the cutoff.

April 27 to May 2

Voting period

Play entries and leave feedback.

May 3

Winners announced

Placements and featured games go live.

Theme

Theme Reveal

THEME REVEAL

Rules Are Meant To Be Broken

  1. 01

    Prepare your stack

    Choose your engine, art pipeline, and export format.

  2. 02

    Interpret the theme clearly

    Pick one strong angle and make it clear in the game.

  3. 03

    Leave room for polish

    Leave room for bug fixes, credits, and a clean page.

Rules

  1. Participation

    You can use any game engine you like and participate solo or in a team of up to 4 people.

  2. Original work

    All work should be created during the jam period. Pre-made assets are allowed if properly credited. AI-generated content is not allowed.

  3. Theme usage

    Your submission must include a short explanation of how your game uses the theme.

  4. Content guidelines

    No hateful, offensive, or NSFW content. If your game includes horror or violence, clearly mention it on your game page.

  5. Submission format

    A browser-playable version is highly recommended. If that is not possible, Windows or Mac builds are acceptable.

  6. Fair play

    Do not attempt to manipulate ratings in any way.

  7. Respect and feedback

    Be respectful during the voting period and provide useful, constructive feedback to other participants.

Prizes

Claim prizes by emailing to pixelforgejam@gmail.com or in Discord. Teams are responsible for splitting prizes, and distribution is typically one key per member (subject to availability). Solo winners receive one key.

First Place

1 winner

  • Code Crafters 2-year VIP membership ($720 value)
  • $100 voucher for WeLoveIndies
  • Up to 3 CraftPix annual premium subscriptions ($48 value each)
  • Complete Minifantasy bundle ($70 value)
  • Up to 2 12-month Easel+ subscriptions ($60 value each)
  • 12 months Minifantasy Patreon subscription ($50 value)
  • 1 Kronnect non-bundle asset license ($50 value)
  • Up to 2 Aseprite keys ($40 value)
  • 1 PixelOver key ($30 value)
  • Up to 4 .xyz domains (free for 1 year, $15 value each)
  • Up to 3 Pyxel Edit keys ($9 value each)
  • Up to 2 GamePad Icon Mega-Pack +700 icons ($5 Value Each)
  • Featured on our websites, signed winner certificate, and Discord role

Second Place

1 winner

  • Code Crafters 1-year VIP membership ($360 value)
  • $100 voucher for WeLoveIndies
  • Up to 2 12-month Easel+ subscriptions ($60 value each)
  • Up to 3 CraftPix annual premium subscriptions ($48 value each)
  • 1 Kronnect non-bundle asset license ($50 value)
  • Up to 2 Aseprite keys ($40 value)
  • 1 PixelOver key ($30 value)
  • Up to 4 .xyz domains (free for 1 year, $15 value each)
  • Up to 3 Pyxel Edit keys ($9 value each)
  • Up to 2 PixelArt Cave Ruins Tile-Set 8x8 ($3 Value Each)
  • Featured on our websites, signed winner certificate, and Discord role

Third Place

1 winner

  • Code Crafters 6-month VIP membership ($180 value)
  • $75 voucher for WeLoveIndies
  • Up to 2 12-month Easel+ subscriptions ($60 value each)
  • Up to 3 CraftPix annual premium subscriptions ($48 value each)
  • 1 Kronnect non-bundle asset license ($50 value)
  • Up to 2 Aseprite keys ($40 value)
  • 1 PixelOver key ($30 value)
  • Up to 2 .xyz domains (free for 1 year, $15 value each)
  • Up to 2 Pyxel Edit keys ($9 value each)
  • Up to 3 Mini-Pixel Font ($2 Value Each)
  • Featured on our websites, signed winner certificate, and Discord role

Fourth Place

1 winner

  • Up to 2 12-month Easel+ subscriptions ($60 value each)
  • Up to 3 CraftPix annual premium subscriptions ($48 value each)
  • 1 Kronnect non-bundle asset license ($50 value)
  • 1 PixelOver key ($30 value)
  • 1 Aseprite key ($20 value)
  • 1 Pyxel Edit key ($9 value)
  • Featured on our websites, signed winner certificate, and Discord role

Fifth Place

1 winner

  • Up to 2 12-month Easel+ subscriptions ($60 value each)
  • Up to 3 CraftPix annual premium subscriptions ($48 value each)
  • 1 Kronnect non-bundle asset license ($50 value)
  • 1 PixelOver key ($30 value)
  • Featured on our websites, signed winner certificate, and Discord role

Judges' Favorites

3 winners

  • Up to 3 CraftPix annual premium subscriptions ($48 value each)
  • 1 Aseprite key ($20 value)
  • Featured on our websites, signed winner certificate, and Discord role
  • Chosen by the Pixel Forge Jam organizers
  • Winners of ranked categories are not eligible
  • Top 15 from community vote will be judged

All Participants

  • Curated bundle with a selection of 9 Minifantasy asset packs ($39 value)
  • Interview Cake course access (join Discord)
  • Vue School license (join Discord)
  • Wolfram|One for one month (join Discord)
  • WeLoveIndies jammers hub catalog with 250,000+ audio assets (join Discord)
  • Signed participation certificate on request

Sponsors

Gold sponsors

Silver sponsors

Bronze sponsors

FAQ

Format, assets, and Discord.

What is the theme?

The theme will be announced when the jam begins.

Does my game have to be in a specific format?

No. Browser-based games are strongly recommended because they are easier for more people to play, but a Windows version is also acceptable.

What assets can I use?

You can use any art, audio, code, or tools that you have the legal right to use. The vast majority of new work should still be created during the jam.

Can I submit a game that I already started?

No. Entries are expected to be made during the jam period.

Is there a Discord I can join?

Yes. Join the Pixel Forge Discord here.