Event image for Arcade Jam 2026 - CGDA

Arcade Jam 2026 - CGDA

Starts

May 8th, 2026 @ 4:00 PM MDT

Starts

Friday May 8th, 2026 @ 4:00 PM MDT

Ends

May 17th, 2026 @ 3:30 PM MDT

Ends

Sunday May 17th, 2026 @ 3:30 PM MDT

Platform Calgary

407 9 Ave SE, Calgary

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$16.50 - $37.28 CAD

Price

$16.50 - $37.28 CAD

Price

$16.50 - $37.28 CAD

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Description

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

Contact Information

The Calgary Game Developers Association is dedicated to the promotion and support of local game creators in the city. Interested in joining a community of game designers, programmers, artists and musicians. We're all only one click away.

Refund Policy

By purchasing this ticket and attending the event, you acknowledge and agree that you are participating at your own risk. The Calgary Game Developers Association, its affiliates, organizers, partners, sponsors, staff, and volunteers shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, damage, or harm (whether to person or property) arising from or in connection with your attendance at this event, including but not limited to accidents, personal injuries, property damage, or theft.