PIXEL FORGE

Registration open

Pixel Forge presents Mega Jam

Ten days to take one bold idea from a blank project to a playable game.

Enter the Mega Jam Join the Discord
Dates January 16-26, 2027
Duration 10 days
Format Online · Teams up to 4
Theme Revealed at kickoff

01 / About the event

Build.
Experiment.
Finish.

10 DAYS / ONLINE

Pixel Forge Mega Jam brings developers, artists, designers, and curious first-timers together to create a game from scratch.

Work alone or with up to three teammates. Use any engine. Try the mechanic you have been saving for later, learn in public, and leave with something you can share.

02 / Theme reveal

Locked until
kickoff.

The official theme will be revealed when the Mega Jam begins on January 16, 2027. Start with a blank project and discover the creative constraint alongside everyone else.

03 / How it runs

Ten days.
Four moves.

A straightforward path from idea to submission, with enough room to experiment and enough pressure to choose what matters.

01 / JAN 16

Meet the theme

Choose your interpretation, your tools, and a scope your team can finish.

02 / BUILD

Make the game

Design, code, draw, compose, test, and keep the playable core moving forward.

03 / JAN 26

Submit your build

Publish the game on itch.io with credits and a short theme explanation.

04 / RATE

Play the field

Rate other entries and leave useful feedback for the creators behind them.

04 / The rules

Keep it fair.
Make it yours.

The guardrails are simple: begin during the jam, respect other creators, and be honest about what went into your submission.

Start during the jam

Previously started games cannot be submitted.

Solo or teams up to four

Use any engine and divide the work however you like.

Credit pre-made assets

Existing assets are permitted when their licenses allow it and they are properly credited.

No generative AI

AI-generated code, art, audio, writing, and other generated content are banned.

Keep it appropriate

No hateful, offensive, or NSFW content. Disclose horror, violence, and sensitive material.

Make it accessible

Browser builds are recommended. Windows and macOS downloads are accepted.

Play fair

No rating manipulation. Give other participants respectful, useful feedback.

Ship what you have

Unfinished games are welcome. A two-day upload window follows the jam for bug fixes.

05 / Community voting

Four ways to
stand out.

01

Gameplay

How engaging, understandable, and enjoyable the game feels.

02

Theme

How thoughtfully the theme shapes the concept, story, or mechanics.

03

Music

How effectively music and sound effects support the experience.

04

Atmosphere

How art, sound, and environmental storytelling create mood.

The rating queue gives participants five random games to rate first, helping every submission receive feedback.

06 / Prizes

Build it.
Earn it.

Five community-ranked games and three judges' favorites will receive dedicated prize packages. Every participant can also claim recognition for completing the jam.

Community rank 01

First place

1 team

  • $500 worth of Fly.io Credits
  • Featured on our websites, signed winner certificate, and Discord role

Community rank 02

Second place

1 team

  • $300 worth of Fly.io Credits
  • Featured on our websites, signed winner certificate, and Discord role

Community rank 03

Third place

1 team

  • $200 worth of Fly.io Credits
  • Featured on our websites, signed winner certificate, and Discord role

Community rank 04

Fourth place

1 team

  • Featured on our websites, signed winner certificate, and Discord role

Community rank 05

Fifth place

1 team

  • Featured on our websites, signed winner certificate, and Discord role

Organizer choice

Three judges' picks

3 teams selected from the community top 15

  • Prize package
  • Judges' certificate
  • Website feature

Every participant

Participation award

  • Signed participation certificate on request
  • Community recognition

Interested in supporting the Mega Jam?

View prospectus Become a sponsor

08 / Questions

Good to
know.

Who can participate?

Anyone interested in making games, from complete beginners to experienced developers. Work alone or with up to three teammates.

Do I keep ownership of my game?

Yes. You retain ownership. By submitting, you allow Pixel Forge to feature the game in event coverage on its website, YouTube, and social channels.

Can I use pre-made assets?

Yes, provided their licenses allow it and they are properly credited. The game itself must begin during the jam.

What if my game is unfinished?

Submit it anyway. Experimental, unfinished, and buggy projects are welcome.

Who runs Pixel Forge?

Pixel Forge is a student-run game development community fiscally sponsored by The Hack Foundation, doing business as Hack Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

January 16-26, 2027

Make the game
only you would make.

Bring the idea. Choose a scope. Build it in ten days.

Join on itch.io Contact the team