Global Game Jam 2026: Game Creation in Athens, Kastoria and Patra

The Global Game Jam (GGJ) is the world's largest game creation institution and non-profit organization that, since 2008, unites tens of thousands of creators every year in more than 100 countries, with a common goal of collaboration, experimentation and game creation within 48 hours, not as a competition, but as an open learning experience and community development. Through this framework, thousands of prototypes, teams and studios have been born worldwide, making GGJ a starting point for both new and experienced game developers.

With this philosophy, the Global Game Jam returns to Greece with a bang and brings with it one of the most iconic game development events in the world. For another year, Greek game development communities will work in parallel in different cities , with a common goal: creating games within 48 hours.

📍 Locations 2026:

• Register for GGJ Athens - Facebook Event

• Register for GGJKastoria - Facebook Event

• Register for GGJ Patras - Facebook Event

📅 Dates:

Friday, January 30 – Sunday, February 1, 2026

Who is it addressed to?

The Global Game Jam is aimed at everyone who is passionate about creating games, developers, designers, artists, musicians, writers, but also people without previous experience.

You don't need to have a ready-made team. Most teams form on the spot, after the topic is announced, around shared ideas and interests. Many of them continue after the Jam ends, turning prototypes into complete games.

What to bring with you

Jam's philosophy is simple: you bring everything you need to create .

Indicatively:

• Laptop or PC

• Cables (ethernet), power strip

• Audio equipment or musical instruments

• Paper, markers, scissors, glue

• Sleeping bag & mattress (if you plan to stay at the site)

• Money for food

Important: at Global Game Jam you can also create board games , not just digital ones.

And of course… baby wipes. Veterans know.

Accessibility & space

The space will remain open 24 hours a day throughout the event, so that teams can work without time restrictions.

There is parking available, while you will find food and delivery options in the area.

How Game Jam is evolving

• Friday (after 17:00): topic announcement & group formation

• Game development: from Friday to Sunday

• Sunday 15:00: end of development

• Sunday 17:00: toy delivery

• Sunday (after): official presentation of the games

Games should be related to the central theme, while optionally they can incorporate diversifiers — additional creative challenges.

The support of GDA Greece

The Greek Game Developer's Association actively supports actions that strengthen:

• the cooperation

• learning through action

• the development of the Greek game dev scene

The Global Game Jam is one of the most important entry points for new creators, but also a safe space for experimentation for more experienced professionals.

Good luck to all participants.

A date in cities, keyboards and ideas