thatgamejam is a global game jam hosted by thatgamecompany that spans two weeks.
It is a gentle, welcoming space for developers of all backgrounds to challenge themselves, follow their curiosity, and explore the boundless possibilities of play.
We invite creators to build from the heart - crafting experiences that speak to genuine emotion, that can be enjoyed by players of all ages, and that carry a timeless spark capable of inspiring human connection across the world.
And you’re warmly invited to join our Discord server - a friendly indie dev community where we’ll host monthly events for skill sharing, networking, and playtesting.
During the game jam, it will serve as the central hub for announcements, team-forming, and project feedback.
Hear it. Feel it. Turn it into play.
Close your eyes, listen, and let yourself feel. What does the music inspire you to make? Translate that inspiration into gameplay, interactions and worlds of your own.
Any genre is welcome, you don’t have to make a music or rhythm game, or include the track in your game.
- Download the theme track here -
If you choose to include the provided recording, use it unmodified and only within your jam entry. Remixing, sampling or rearranging the provided recording is not permitted. You may also create your own cover of the piece or original music for your game.
Theme music composed by Jason Grace.
Awarded to the game that stands out for its overall quality, creativity, playability, and memorable player journey
1
USD 3,000
Awarded to the game that demonstrates unique and outstanding design and implementation of gameplay mechanics
1
USD 2,000
Awarded to the game that excels in art style, visual impact, and cohesive artistic experience
1
USD 2,000
Awarded to the game rated highest by the community
1
USD 2,000
Voting takes place on itch.io from Nov 8 to Dec 11 (PT). Anyone with an itch.io account can rate the games submitted on itch.io, and the game with the highest community rating wins. Games submitted on TapTap are not part of this vote. Please keep things fair, any form of cheating or vote manipulation will lead to disqualification.
Awarded to TapTap team's favorite game among all eligible submissions on itch.io and TapTap.
1
USD 1,000
• Teams can have up to five members, and solo developers are welcome. Developers may join multiple teams if all involved teams are informed. (We suggest teams including at least one programmer and one artist to help you run smoothly.) • Each team may submit a game only once. Submissions must be uploaded through a single itch.io account, either the team leader’s personal account or a new account created for the team. Teams may submit multiple entries, provided each entry is a different game. • Team members must be listed at submission, using either real names or online handles. The roster submitted will be considered final. • Content must uphold universal values. Submissions containing political content, violence, pornography, personal attacks, anti-humanity themes, or blasphemy toward real-world religions will be disqualified.
• Submissions will be handled via the event page on itch.io. To register, teams must provide their team info, game details, and game files. • Developers in China who cannot access itch.io may submit through our TapTap page instead: https://www.taptap.cn/game-jam/thatgamejam2026. Please submit each game on one platform only. • Only one team member needs to upload the game, but be sure to credit all other contributors as game authors. On your game's itch.io page, go to Edit → More → Admins and follow the instructions to add them. • You can update and improve your submission as many times as you like before the deadline. The final version submitted before the cutoff will be considered for judging. • Game files are locked at the submission deadline. Entries cannot be updated or replaced until winners are announced.
• Submitted games must use English as the default language. • There are no restrictions on the development platform or game engine used. However, you must provide a build that runs on either Windows or Mac as part of your submission. • Games created within other games (such as Super Mario Maker, Dreams, Roblox, etc.) will not be accepted.
• Participants must own the rights to all software and assets used in their submission, or use properly licensed open-source resources. • All copyrights for submitted games remain with the creators. However, by participating in the event, you agree to allow thatgamecompany to showcase your submission on their websites and at related offline events.
• If your game includes any "AI-generated assets", you must clearly state this in your game description, including which parts of the game were created using AI technology. Failure to disclose the use of AI assets may result in disqualification. • Please note: thatgamecompany will not provide any legal protection or support in the event of copyright disputes arising from AI-generated content.
All final decisions and interpretations regarding thatgamejam are made by thatgamecompany. For any questions or concerns, please contact us in the Discord server.
Check the latest updated FAQ in our community for more information. If your question isn’t covered, please join our Discord server and drop it in the Q&A channel.
The theme is a piece of music. The track will be revealed when the jam begins.
No. While the theme is a piece of music, this isn’t a music or rhythm game jam. We’re looking for creative ways to translate the track’s emotions, contrasts, and transformations into gameplay.
What excites us most is how you turn those feelings into meaningful player actions and interactions, regardless of genre. You don’t need to include the audio itself in your game.
Yes. You may use the track as provided, without modification, within your jam submission only. The track remains the composer’s intellectual property and cannot be reused in other projects or future releases.
Using the track is completely optional and won’t give your game an advantage in judging. What matters is how you translate what you hear into play, whether or not the music appears in your game.
Yes. Following feedback from our first jam, thatgamejam #02 is also hosted on TapTap for developers in China: https://www.taptap.cn/game-jam/thatgamejam2026
Both platforms follow the same dates, theme, and core rules. Please submit each game on one platform only, either itch.io or TapTap, not both.
Entries from both platforms will be considered together for Best Overall, Best Gameplay, Best Visual Design, and TapTap’s Choice. Community’s Voice is decided by voting on itch.io, so it is open to itch.io entries only.
Join our Discord server and share your info in the team-up channel.
No. Each thatgamejam has its own unique theme, and we encourage creators to build something new around it to keep the jam fresh and surprising.
No. Please make sure to submit early to avoid any last-minute issues.
Yes, but you must clearly disclose it in your game description, using a note such as “This game contains AI-generated content”, and explain what was generated or how AI was used. If AI usage is not disclosed, the submission will be disqualified. Please note that thatgamecompany is not responsible for any copyright or legal issues caused by AI-generated materials. Participants are responsible for evaluating and managing all associated risks.
