The Third Annual ARCADE JAM is Here!

❗ EARLY BIRD TICKETS ENDING MAY 1st! ❗

Overview ~

Celebrating the button-smashing, frenetic, and voracious coin-gobbling spirit of arcade games, join us in developing bit-sized wonders, as this is your chance to build something bold and unforgettable.

This game jam challenges developers of all skill levels to create original arcade-style games within an extended week (May 8-17, 2026)! You will have plenty of time to focus on simple controls, addictive gameplay loops, high scores, and that timeless feeling of "just one more round."

This event is beginner-friendly and dedicated to personal and professional development! If you haven't participated in a jam before, come on and try it out!

Event Details ~

What to Expect

• 🕹️ - Games can be portable and playable on our custom-built arcade cabinets!
• 👩🏻‍💻 - Access to a co-working space downtown for your late-night and early game dev. needs.
• 🚀 - Theme reveal at launch to spark inspiration, chatter, and creativity.
• 👨🏻‍🏫 - Low-stakes and approachable presentations to work on your pitching skills.
• 👾 - Public playtests to demo and show off your games!
• 🏆 - Alongside an awarded overall winner (with five available prizes), we will have more titled category winners to shout out!
• 🤝 - Networking with other game developers, artists, musicians, and programmers to click with!
• 🍕- Light breakfast and lunches provided.

What to Bring

• 🖥️ - Any equipment you need to contribute to in your own way, whether that's a computer, tablet, or pad of paper! Note that the venue is not open overnight.
• 🌊 - BRING WATER! Game development is exhausting - please bring a water bottle!
• 🎟️ - Try to register for our event before you arrive on-site!
• 🙇 - Yourself! Whether you’re a retro purist or innovating with a modern twist, bring your A-game and show us what arcade means to you.

Event Schedule

Arcade Jam 2026 is a week-long event, split between two weekends!

Friday, May 8th ~ East Annex (Platform Calgary)

• 10:00 am - 4:00 pm - Indie Friday (co-working session)
• 4:00 pm - Check-In Opens
• 5:00 pm - How to Jam: A Beginner's Guide (presented by Twig)
• 6:00 pm - Opening Notes, Housekeeping, and Theme Reveal
• 11:59 pm - Venue Closes

Friday, May 15th ~ East Annex (Platform Calgary)

• 10:00 am - 4:00 pm - Indie Friday (co-working session)

Saturday, May 16th ~ East Annex (Platform Calgary)

• 9:00 am - Venue Opens (light breakfast)
• 1:00 pm - Lunch
• 11:59 pm - Venue Closes

Sunday, May 16th ~ Pitch Stage & West Hall (Platform Calgary)

• 9:00 am - Venue Opens (light breakfast, pitch stage open for AV testing)
• 10:00 am - Presentations on the Platform Pitch Stage (SUBMISSIONS DUE ON ITCH)
• 12:00 pm - Playtest & Showcase Session in the West Hall
• 12:30 pm - Lunch
• 3:00 pm - Awards & Closing Remarks
• 3:30 pm - That's all, folks, time to go home! (Unofficial Post-Mortem @ Bear & Kilt Freehouse)

Other Rules & Requirements

To submit your game and view the jam rules, please visit our itch.io page.

Check out the requirements to port your game - with ease - to our travelling arcade cabinets here.

Sponsors ~

This event was made possible through the generosity and ongoing support of our sponsors:

Platform Calgary & Bow Valley College