The Jam @ GDC
GDC Festival of Gaming and Global Game Jam (GGJ) are excited to announce The Jam @ GDC
The official GDC Game Jam in San Francisco this March.
Kick off an incredible week of sessions, networking, programming, and more with a two-day game jam as one of the 100 jammers we're bringing together from around the world at the Moscone Center.
FAQ
[general information]
When and where will The Jam take place?
There will be an optional pre-jam meet up the evening of March 7; however, jammers must be on-site for the kick-off at the Moscone Center at 9 am on March 8. It is expected that jammers will factor in arriving on time for the jam in their travel planning. The jam will run from Sunday, March 8, at 9 a.m. to Monday, March 9, at 9:30 p.m.
Please note the jam begins the day before GDC officially starts. All jammers are expected to participate in both days of the jam. On Monday, jammers will have the option and be encouraged to split their time between the jam and attending GDC. Jammers will have access to a jam space at Moscone that can be accessed between 9 a.m and 9:30 p.m., both days.
What will I receive as a GDC Jammer?
- A Festival pass with full access to the GDC Festival of Gaming 2026
- Lunch each day of the jam plus coffee break with afternoon snacks (March 8-9)
- Invite to GGJ's GDC mixer on March 12
- Dedicated time and kiosk space to show your jam game and up to one additional project in GDC Festival Hall
- Access to in-person jam mentors
- Online briefing prior to the event (including recommended travel tips)
- Discord server invite with exclusive access to the scholarship community
- On-site networking
- An incredible experience to start your GDC week
The jam will have a dedicated space, including tables, chairs, power and wifi. Jammers are responsible for providing their own devices and any other hardware or software requirements.
What costs will I be responsible for?
Jammers are responsible for coordinating and all costs related to:
- Travel to San Francisco
- Accommodation in San Francisco
- All other meals and other costs in San Francisco
- Costs of obtaining passport and visa
- Costs of obtaining any travel and health insurance for the entire visit in United States
What is expected of accepted jammers?
- All jammers are expected to participate in both days of the jam.
- While we recognize that sometimes jam games don't come together, jammers are expected to make a good faith effort in submitting a final game at the end of the jam.
- You commit to exhibiting your jam game (and up to one additional project) in the GDC Festival Hall between Wednesday, March 10, and Friday, March 12.
- GDC Jammers are expected to share their jam experience at GDC for possible future use by GDC.
Can I register as part of a team?
Yes! Jammers may register as an individual participant or as part of team up to five people.
If you are registering as a team, ensure that all team members submit an individual application and include the same team name. We are not responsible for teams only being partially approved if all members do not submit the same team name. If you applying as a team, please ensure all team members submit within the same 48-hour window.
I’m flying solo. Can I take part in the jam?
You do not need a team to participate in the jam. Individual jammers are encouraged to apply, and GGJ will facilitate team formation.
I’ve never done a game jam before. Can I apply?
Previous game jam experience is not required, but there is an expectation that participants will have some area experience to be able to contribute to a jam team.