Submissions open from 2026-10-23 04:00:00 to 2026-11-02 04:59:59
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Required theme: your game must have at least one Twitch integration that can influence gameplay. How you build that in is your call—chat could vote on outcomes, spawn events, control/spawn characters, or throw curveballs at the player. Twitch integration is the mandatory theme for prize eligibility.

To make this approachable regardless of skill level or engine, we're providing free template projects for Unreal, Unity, GameMaker, Godot, and RPG Maker, ready one week before the jam starts. A universal keyboard-simulator fallback is also available for other engines.

Twitch API/integration setup can be done early, before the jam period, so you're not burning jam time on plumbing. Gameplay, art, audio, and content development must happen during the official jam period (Oct 23 – Nov 1, 2026).

A secondary theme will be announced at the start of the jam (Oct 23). It's optional and won't affect prize eligibility, just an extra creative hook if you want it!

Anytime - Twitch API/integration
Twitch API/integration setup can start anytime before the jam

Oct 16, 2026 - Template creation
Free template projects for Unreal, Unity, GameMaker, Godot, and RPG Maker will be provided beginning on this date

Oct 23, 2026 - Secondary theme announced
This secondary theme is optional and won't affect prize eligibility

Oct 23–Nov 1, 2026 - Official jam dev period!
All gameplay, art, audio, and content must be built during this window; all games must be submitted by the end of this window

Nov 1, 2026 - Submission deadline
All entries must be submitted by this date in order to be rated

Nov 2–Nov 8, 2026 - Voting/Judging
Judging and voting will occur during this window

Nov 8, 2026 - Backseating Allowed Jam 2026: Finalist Stream
Finalists will be announced and their games will be streamed on Twitch, with live chat and donations benefiting Extra Life - Childrens Hospital Network!

Nov 10, 2026 - Last Day for teams to claim prizes
As applicable

  1. Solo and team submissions are allowed.
    • The Backseating Allowed Game Jam is open to anyone! Teams may consist of up to ten members.
  2. Twitch API/integration is required for prize eligibility.
    • In order for your submission to be eligible for the prizes, it must include Twitch integration in some way (see Theme for ideas). Setup for Twitch API/integration can be started anytime before the start of the jam. Additionally, projects without Twitch integration are allowed to be submitted and will still be rated, however they will not be eligible for a prize.
  3. Assets are allowed.
    • You are allowed to use assets you created yourself, and assets you did not create in your submission as long as 1.) If not your own, you openly credit the creator on your submission page; 2.) The asset creator does not prohibit use of their assets in a game jam, and if edited the asset creator allows modification of their asset; and 3.) To your knowledge, the assets were not created using genAI. There is no time restriction on finding these assets other than the end date for submissions (Nov 1, 2026). Please note: breaking any portion of this rule will result in full disqualification of your submission.
  4. New original assets must be created during the official jam window.
    • All gameplay, art, audio, and content created by your team specifically for your submission must be created within the official Backseating Allowed Game Jam window (Oct 23–Nov 1, 2026). Aside from Twitch API/integration and borrowed assets, the only other exception to this rule is template projects (jam-provided, or your own Twitch templates).
  5. genAI is prohibited.
    • The use of genAI in any part of your submission is prohibited. Any submission found to be using genAI (including borrowed assets) will be fully disqualified.
  6. Membership in the Backseating Allowed Game Jam Discord server is required.
    • Your entire team must be members in the Discord server in order for your submission to be eligible for a prize. Membership also grants you access to the free template projects, as well as Twitch API help. Plus, we’d love to get to know you and see your progress!
  7. Streaming your dev process is encouraged.
    • It is not required for you to stream your process, but we’d love to see it! Feel free to drop a link to your stream in the designated Discord channel.
  8. Be a good human.
    • CPGD is built by people who care about games and the people who make them. We are committed to maintaining a community where people can show up as themselves, ask questions, share unfinished work, make mistakes, learn, and grow. As an extension of our organization, all participants of our jam are expected to treat others with kindness, patience, and respect. Any form of harassment, bullying, threats, intimidation, stalking, unwanted contact, hate speech, discriminatory behavior, and plagiarism will not be tolerated. If someone’s behavior makes you feel unsafe, unwelcome, or unsure, please contact a jam host or moderator privately through Discord.

In order for your submission to be eligible as a finalist (to be streamed during the Backseating Allowed Jam 2026: Finalist Stream), you must include the following on your submission page by Nov 1, 2026:

  • A playable build
  • Any instructions required for the Twitch Plugin to work
  • A short gameplay clip showing the chat mechanic in action
  • Credits for all team members, and flipped/borrowed assets (as needed)

For this jam, we encourage all jammers to play, stream, and vote on each other's submissions. Prizes, however, will be decided by the judges. Our official judges will include Game Clique's CharmCityChamp, SomeRanDev, KenniieKins, and kur0_Kitty. Our judges will use the following criteria to rate submissions:

  1. Twitch Integration & Execution
    • Does the Twitch Integration functionality meaningfully affect gameplay?
    • Is the mechanic reliable and functional?
    • Does the integration feel intentional?
  2. Creativity | Use of the Constraint
    • How inventive is the interpretation of Twitch influencing Gameplay?
    • Does it do something the judges haven’t seen in other entries?
    • Bonus consideration for entries that also use the optional secondary theme in a clever way.
  3. Fun/Gameplay
    • Is it enjoyable to play(or watch played)?
    • Is there a core loop? Controls, pacing, clarity of goals?
  4. Polish & Completeness
    • Does the game feel finished within the game jam scope?
    • Are the Bugs game breaking?
  5. Presentation
    • Art, audio, and theme cohesion

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

  • Exclusive Q&A/Stylized Art Overview with Experienced CG Generalist and Environmental Artist Space Rabbit Studio
    • Productions include: Wanderstop, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Epic Mickey, etc.!
  • Marceline and the Night of Enlightenment Merch Bundle
    • Please note that all physical prizes are limited to USA residents.
    • Art print, keychain, stickers

The Game Clique "For The Culture" Award

Presented by Game Clique

This award will be presented to the jam's most outstanding project either created by Black developers or prominently featuring characters of color. Please note that all physical prizes are limited to USA residents.

  • The Spotlight Feature: A fully produced video on the Game Clique YouTube channel that highlights your game, breaks down your gameplay mechanics, and introduces your development team to our audience.
  • The Clique Care Package: Official Game Clique merchandise for the winner.
  • Development Fund: A $50 gift card to help fund your next late-night coding session.
HEY!!! click me to read the full message from Game Clique!!! :)

"The video game industry is at its most innovative when every voice has a seat at the table, and the independent development scene is where that innovation starts. To continue our mission of elevating representation in the medium, Game Clique is incredibly proud to announce our official sponsorship of the Central Pennsylvania Game Developers Game Jam.

This year, we are presenting the exclusive "Culture in Gaming" Award to spotlight the game jam's most outstanding project either created by Black developers or prominently featuring characters of color.

We aren't just looking for good games; we are looking for authentic stories, unique perspectives, and undeniable talent. The submitted games will be personally played, reviewed, and judged by the veteran Game Clique panel. We want to see how you push the boundaries of game design while bringing the culture to the forefront.

The Winning Team Will Receive:

  • The Spotlight Feature: A fully produced video on the Game Clique YouTube channel that highlights your game, breaks down your gameplay mechanics, and introduces your development team to our audience.
  • The Clique Care Package: Official Game Clique merchandise for the winner.
  • Development Fund: A $50 gift card to help fund your next late-night coding session.

Whether you are building a retro 2D platformer, an intense deck-builder, or a cozy narrative adventure, we want to play it. Show us what you can create when the corporate filter is off, and the creativity is unleashed.

We cannot wait to see what you build. Good luck, and let's get to work!"

Click each question to reveal the answer! If you have any additional questions, please don't be shy about asking them in the Discord server. ALL questions are worth asking!

What is the Backseating Allowed Jam 2026: Finalist Stream?

On Nov 8, 2026, finalists will be announced and their games will be streamed on Twitch. There will be a live chat to show off those Twitch integrations you created, as well as donations benefiting Extra Life - Childrens Hospital Network.

What is Extra Life?

“Extra Life is a DIY fundraising program where gamers raise money for their local children's hospital by hosting their own gaming marathons, tabletop events, live streams, and content creation campaigns on their own terms and timeline.” For more info about Extra Life, check out extra-life.org. If you are interesting in doing your own fundraising stream outside of the jam, check out their Extra Life 2026 event!

Do I have to include X in my game (i.e., certain art styles, audio, mechanics)?

Nope! The only thing required to be in your submission in order to receive a rating is credit for any borrowed assets. However, in order to be eligible for a prize, your entire team must be members of the Discord server, your game must include at least one Twitch integration that can influence gameplay, and your game must include all the items listed under “Finalists.”

What all needs to be included to be eligible for a prize?

In order to be eligible for a prize, your entire team must be members of the Discord server, your game must include at least one Twitch integration that can influence gameplay, and your game must include all the items listed under “Finalists.”

Can I create my own assets?

Yes, it is encouraged! Please keep in mind that any new, original assets created by your team must be created within the official jam window (with the exception of templates and Twitch API/integration which can be set up ahead of time).

Can I use borrowed assets?

Yes, you can also use borrowed assets! Just make sure to double check that they fit the requirements listed in Rule #3.

Can I use a combination of original and borrowed assets?

Absolutely! Any combination of either type of assets (original or borrowed) is allowed, as long as you keep two things in mind: new and original assets created by your team must be created within the official jam window; and borrowed assets must follow the requirements listed in Rule #3.

Can I use my own premade assets?

Yes, but with restrictions. Templates are allowed to be made ahead of the jam (your own, or setting up one of the ones we provide), as well as Twitch API/integration. Any other new, original asset that your team creates specifically for this jam must be created within the official jam window and cannot be premade.

Can I create assets for this jam before the jam starts?

The only things you are allowed to do ahead of time is set up your template (your own, or one we provide), set up Twitch API/integration, and locate any assets you will be borrowing from someone else (keeping in mind the requirements listed in Rule #3). Any new, original assets your team creates must be created during the official jam window.

Can I reuse old assets I made for a previous jam?

No. If you/your team are the creator of the asset, then it must be created during the official jam window.