The Wisconsin Game Alliance and Global Game Jam are hosting the first MDEV game jam, September 25 – October 4, 2026. The virtual jam kicks off this year’s MDEV event held on November 6-7, 2026 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI.
Games created during this jam can be submitted to be featured at the MDEV Game Jam showcase.
The jam will be hosted on itch.io and the Global Game Jam MDEV Discord channel.
The 10-second rundown:
When & Where: Sept. 25 - Oct. 4, Virtual
Build a digital or tabletop game for a chance to:
🎟️ Win conference passes to MDEV
⭐ Exhibit your game at MDEV
💬 Speak on a panel at the event
👑 Get featured at the opening kick-off
💻 Tour Raven Software in Madison
No Wisconsin or Midwest ties required, anyone can join!
Every entry gets 10% off MDEV admission (excluding student tickets) and a shot at a showcase table.
Theme + scoring rubric announced when the jam kicks off. Winners announced week of Oct. 12.
The official theme for the jam will be announced on Sept. 25.
The virtual event is open to participants globally.
The jam is open to participants ages 18+ as determined by Oct. 4, 2026. Proof of age verification will be requested from all winners.
Anyone can join with a digital game or tabletop game. Jammers do not need to be from Wisconsin or the Midwest to participate!
Solo devs are allowed. There is no limit to team size.
Previous participation in the Global Game Jam is not required.
Participants can use any game development tools, platform or engine they choose
Jammers can submit a project the was started outside of the scope of this jam if it has been adapted during the jam to fit the jam theme. The game cannot have been released (even for beta testing or early access).
The Grand Prize Winning Team and runner-up team will receive up to four (4) free MDEV Conference tickets.
Additionally, the grand prize team will be presented during the opening night kick off and is eligible for a tour of Raven Software in Madison, WI. (More detail below.)
As part of the MDEV Game Jam, all entries will also be eligible for a chance showcase at a special table during MDEV and receive 10% off admission to MDEV if a game is submitted. Note that these discounts do not apply to student tickets and will not be retroactively applied to purchased tickets.
All participants are responsible covering any travel for accommodation costs.
The jam scoring rubric and judging criteria will be posted on Sept. 25, when the jam kicks off.
Awards Breakdown
The overall winning team will receive four free MDEV passes, a dedicated time and space to expo their jam game (and up to one additional project) at the MDEV expo, one invited in-person speaker spot on the MDEV Jam panel and a tour of Raven Software in Madison. The overall winning team will also be recognized on stage at the MDEV Opening Night Kick-off event.
The second place team will receive four free MDEV passes, a dedicated time and space to expo their jam game (and up to one additional project) at the MDEV expo and one invited in-person speaker spot on the MDEV Jam panel.
The third place team will receive a dedicated time and space to expo their jam game (and up to one additional project) at the MDEV expo and one invited in-person speaker spot on the MDEV Jam panel.
Opportunities for All Participants
All participants will receive 10% off admission (excluding student tickets) to MDEV if a game is submitted.
Showcase Table Selection: In addition to the top three teams, five teams will be randomly selected to receive a dedicated time and space to expo their jam game (and up to one additional project) at the MDEV expo. When submitting, teams must indicate if they would like to be considered to showcase. If selected, participants are responsible for purchasing their own MDEV pass.
Speaker Selection: In addition to the top three team representatives, up to two other individual jam participants will be selected for an invited in-person speaker spot on the MDEV Jam panel. If a member of your team would like to be considered, there will be an optional short answer question on the submission form that should be completed. If selected, participants are responsible for purchasing their own MDEV pass.
MDEV is a two-day conference that takes place Nov. 6-7, 2026 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI, for game developers, students, and really anyone passionate about games. The event features two full days of expert-led panels, speakers, workshops, and networking alongside the opportunity for developers to showcase their games. http://www.mdevconf.com/
Wisconsin Games Alliance is a 501(c)(6) industry advocacy organization focused on the game development industry within the State of Wisconsin. We believe, through Building Community, Inclusivity, Equity, Respect, and Love of the Craft, we can support, sustain, and grow the gaming ecosystem in Wisconsin and across the Midwest Region. https://www.wisconsingamesalliance.com/
Global Game Jam is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower people around the world to learn, experiment and create together through the medium of games. In addition to organizing the largest game jam in the world across over 800 sites worldwide, GGJ works year-round to support, promote and grow the global game development community. Founded in 2008, GGJ has served over 500,000 lifetime participants. Learn more at globalgamejam.org.
