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Global Game Jam 2026 - CDGA

January 30th - February 1st @ Platform Innovation Center

Overview

The Calgary Game Developers Association is thrilled to be hosting the Calgary GGJ jam site, which will be held at Platform Calgary and will include catered breakfast, lunches, snacks, plus small prizes awarded to the overall winning team. Meet other developers, build games and create something brand new alongside the Calgary game developer community over the course of a few days from January 30th to February 1st. The theme will be presented on January 25th to all attendees online through the Global Game Jam organization.

This event is beginner-friendly and dedicated to personal and professional development! If you haven't done a jam before, come on out and take a whack at it!

Event Details

What to Expect:

• 📅 - Access to a co-working space for your late-night and early game dev. needs.
• 🕹️ - Option to build games playable on our custom-built arcade cabinets.
• 🤝 - Networking with other game developers, artists, musicians, and programmers to click with!
• ⚖️ - Panel of guest judges to select winners.
• 🍕 - Light breakfast, lunch, and dinners provided.

What's New:

• 👾 - Public playtests after showcase presentations to show off and see each other's games! (Dinner will be served!)
• 🏆 - Alongside an awarded overall winner, we will have more titled category winners to shoutout!

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.

For the full rules and details of Global Game Jam:
https://globalgamejam.org/

Event Schedule

Thursday, January 15th:

During the CGDA Monthly Meetups, 6-10 pm @ Civic Tavern, we provide an opportunity for participants to meet, network, and connect with others for the upcoming jam!

Monday, January 25th:

The theme will be presented to all attendees online on January 25th by the Global Game Jam organization.

Teams are invited to start working on their games at the start of GGJ 2026, not just at our site!

Friday, January 30th:

• 10:00 am - 4:00 pm - CGDA Indie Friday @ Platform Innovation Center
• 5:00 pm - Event Check-In
• 5:30 pm - Housekeeping & Opening Notes
• 11:59 pm - Venue closes for the night

Saturday, January 31st:

• 8:00 am - Venue Opens for Work
• 9:00 am - Light Breakfast
• 1:00 pm - Lunch
• 11:59 pm - Venue closes for the night

Sunday, February 1st:

• 8:00 am - Venue Opens for Work
• 9:00 am - Light Breakfast
• 1:00 pm - Lunch
• 2:30 pm - CGDA Games Due
• 3:00 pm - Public Presentations on the Platform Pitch Stage
• 5:00 pm - Public Game Playtests and Showcases in the West Hall
• 5:00 pm - Dinner
• 7:00 pm - Final Awards & Closing Remarks
• 7:30 pm - That's all, folks, time to go home!

Early Bird Tickets Available until January 23rd!!

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

Platform Calgary & Bow Valley College