January 26, 2026 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST
đź“Ť Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online
💻👥 Hybrid
đź’˛ Free
Kick off Global Game Jam with us at Hackforge HQ or online via Discord and get ready for an exciting week of creativity, collaboration, and game development! This opening event sets the tone for the jam and gives you everything you need to dive in with confidence, whether you’re a first-time jammer or a seasoned pro.
We’ll get the engines running by watching the official Global Game Jam keynote together. During this keynote, the theme will be revealed! There will be time afterwards to discuss the theme and iron out any nerves. Got questions? Bring them with you! This isn’t our first rodeo and there will likely be many Game Jam vets present to help us answer any questions that are burning in your brain, making sure everyone’s confident moving forward. Next, we’ll focus on team formation. Participants can pitch ideas, share skills, and connect with others, and organizers will be on hand to help set teams and make sure no one is left out. Whether you come with a plan or are looking for collaborators, this is where teams come together.
Before kicking off development, we’ll wrap up with an important AI policy announcement, outlining what is and isn’t permitted during the jam. Once that’s covered, it’s time to get in the jam and start creating.
Hackforge welcomes folks from anywhere who are interested in creating any kind of game. Design and develop as part of a team or a solo jammer – whatever you prefer! All ages are welcome to participate, but anyone under 17 must be on a team with a parent or guardian.
Open to all, not just participants!
📆 Jan 26, 2026
🕦6PM-8PM
đź“ŤHackforge HQ & Online via Discord
Register for Global Game Jam at globalgamejam.org
Come for the knowledge, stay for the community, and get ready to make something incredible! 🎨👾