Girls Got Game
An international game jam empowering female and
non-binary students in technology and innovation through game development
June 15th - 22nd, 2026
About
Girls Got Game is an international online game jam designed to empower girls and nonbinary youths ages 13–18 to explore creativity, coding, and storytelling through game development. Whether you're new to games or already creating, this beginner-friendly event offers resources, and a supportive community to build and share your own game. This summer, Girls Got Game is running our third game jam, running from June 15th to June 22nd 2026!
What is a Game Jam?
A game jam is a fun, short-term event where people come together to make games based on a surprise theme (ex: “growth” or “light and shadow”). You don’t need experience, just creativity and a willingness to try! Over a few days, you’ll design and build a simple game (on your own or with a team), and then share it with others at the end.
How to Participate
Register Online
Sign up individually using the google form here and join the community on Discord to stay up to date on important information! [Disclaimer: we verify all Discord members to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all.] If you want to join a team, there will be a separate form for that after you register individually.
Join the Kickoff (November 22nd)
We’ll announce the theme (a phrase to inspire your game), share resources, and answer questions during a virtual kickoff event.
Make Your Game
You’ll have one week to create a game based on the theme. Use any tool or platform (ex: Scratch, Unity, Godot, and more)! It’s not just programming though, you can also participate as part of a team by contributing art, music, or design!
Celebrate
Explore what others made, and celebrate your creativity in our closing showcase!
Judging Criteria
Games will be judged based on the following 4 criteria:
Does the game use the official theme in a meaningful way?
Is the game fun and engaging?
Is the game complete and polished?
Does the game incorporate fresh ideas in its design?
Rules
- Games must be submitted by June 22nd @ 11:59 pm PST.
- Games must be created using a free or open platform (ex: Scratch, Twine, Construct, Godot, Bitsy, Unity). If you are unsure, ask in the Discord or email us at hello@girlsgotgamejam.org!
- Minimal use of AI for code is allowed, but you must describe how it was used in the submission form.
- You must provide additional submission information at this form. This includes:
- A link to your submitted itch.io page
- A 2-3 sentence description of what inspired you to create the game and what you learned in the process
- A 1-2 minute video of you playing the game (voiceover optional)
- You may create original assets (art, music, sound, etc.) or use free online assets as long as they are properly credited. Assets may not be created using AI.
- Your game must be based on the official theme. You can interpret the theme in any creative way that is meaningful in your game!
- You may not have started work on the game you submit prior to the jam start date, June 15th 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
A game jam is a short event where people collaborate to create video games!
Girls Got Game is open to girls and non-binary youth ages 13–18 from anywhere in the world. No prior experience is required.
No, participating in Girls Got Game is free :)
Nope, beginners are welcome! We’ll share resources to help you get started. You can also participate in a team by contributing art, music, or design.
Yes! You can participate solo or in a team of up to 4 people. You’ll be able to register as a team after you sign up individually. We’ll also help match solo participants who want to find teammates.
Discord is optional but highly recommended. It’s where we’ll host announcements and community chats. We’ll have moderators to keep things safe and supportive. You can join here.
You can ask a question on our Discord server or email us directly at hello@girlsgotgamejam.org. We’re happy to help!