The jam will be hosted on itch.io and the Global Game Jam Discord.
While the jam's overarching focus is financial literacy, the official theme for Zoud GameLab will be announced on Oct. 15.
As a sneak peek: The jam seeks to engage game developers in creating new and creative ways to engage people with financial concepts through games.
The jam kicks off Oct. 15 and runs through Nov. 15, 2026. Starting Sept. 15, we'll help you prepare with resources, expert-led sessions and opportunities to start exploring ideas, so you're ready to hit the ground running when the jam begins. Winners will be announced in December.
Watch the Program Kick-Off Livestream recording on YouTube.
Join the Jam Launch Livestream on Oct. 15.
JAM KICK OFF: The jam submission window will officially open at 5 p.m. UTC on Oct. 15 following the Zoud GameLab Launchpad Livestream, where the jam theme, awards categories and scoring criteria will be announced.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Jammers may submit to the jam as long as the submission portal is open. As stated on the page and across all other jam related promotion, the jam officially closes on Nov. 15 at 11:59 p.m. anywhere on earth. Depending on your time zone/where you are based, you may see the jam closure date on the itch.io countdown as Nov. 16.
The virtual event is open to participants globally.
The jam is open to participants ages 18+ as determined by Nov. 15, 2026. Proof of age verification will be requested from all winners.
Solo devs are allowed. There is no limit to team size. Studios are allowed to participate. All participants/team members are also required to register for the jam individually. Register here.
Previous participation in the Global Game Jam is not required.
Participants can use any game development tools, platform or engine they choose.
The jam will have a prize pool of up to $140,000 USD in prizes and development support funding.
Zoud GameLab will recognise the strongest entries across a range of award categories, with funding and prizes awarded across the best overall game, runner-up and third place alongside additional awards recognising standout financial literacy impact, regional perspective, and compelling gameplay. There will also be a Best Game from the UAE awarded.
The full jam deliverables, award categories, submission criteria and scoring rubric will be announced when the jam kicks off on Oct. 15, 2026
The jam will be 100% virtual. Jam communications will come through the itch.io jam page and Global Game Jam’s Discord. (Once you're in the server, join the "Zoud GameLab" channels to get updates, find a team and ask any questions you might have.) You can also find additional info on the jam website: zoud.ae/gamelab
Resources and Pre-Jam Prep (Sept. 15 - Oct. 14, 2026)
Not a financial expert? Not a problem. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 14, get expert-led workshops, curated resources, and hands-on guides to help you walk in ready to build something great. Watch "Welcome to Zoud GameLab: Your FinLit Journey Starts Here" recording on YouTube.
Give yourself an early edge by taking advantage of financial literacy and game development resources to help you explore the theme and strengthen your ideas.
Resources will be available through the Zoud GameLab website. The full calendar of sessions will be posted on the jam site, here on itch.io, on Discord and on the Global Game Jam website.
Zoud GameLab game jam (Oct. 15 - Nov. 15, 2026)
Turn financial challenges into fun game mechanics. Make an engaging game around budgeting, saving, spending, investing, debt, smart money decisions and more.
Join us for "Feedback Fridays" throughout the jam. Post your game (or elements of your game) to the jam Discord channel and get expert feedback to help you improve your final submission. Join us for "Zoud GameLab FinLit Jam Kick-Off" the official jam launch on Oct. 15.
Stop by for drop-in office hours and/or one-to-one sessions with subject matter experts as you build out your game.
About Zoud
The National Financial Wellbeing and Sustainability Initiative, Zoud, is driven by a national vision to empower individuals and families with the knowledge, tools, and skills needed to build financial confidence and strengthen economic resilience across all segments of society.
Through an integrated ecosystem of educational programmes, community-driven solutions, and innovative digital tools, Zoud equips people to make informed and responsible financial decisions, contributing to a more stable and prosperous future for all. Learn more at zoud.ae.
About Global Game Jam
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 organising 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.
By participating in Zoud GameLab, you agree to all GGJ policies and the jam terms & conditions as well as Zoud's privacy policy and terms & conditions.
By submitting a game to the jam, each entrant grants ZOUD a non-exclusive, royalty-free, non-commercial, worldwide license, in perpetuity, to use, display, and promote the submitted game solely in the form in which it was submitted during the jam. This license does not extend to any subsequent versions, updates, or further development of the game beyond the version of the game submitted in relation to this jam. The submitting entrant represents and warrants that, where the game has more than one creator, they have obtained the necessary approval from all creators to grant this license on behalf of the full team. All intellectual property rights, title, and ownership in and to the game remain solely with the game’s creator(s).
For questions or more info, you can also contact zoudgamelab@globalgamejam.org.
