47th GM48
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gm(48) vs Global Game Jam

Both game jams offer valuable experiences for developers. Global Game Jam connects thousands worldwide across all engines and tools, while gm(48) provides focused GameMaker expertise in a specialized community. Understanding the differences helps you choose the jam that matches your goals.

Learn About gm(48) Upcoming game jams

New to game jams? Learn what game jams are first.

Two Excellent Approaches to Game Jams

Game jams come in different flavors: large multi-engine events that embrace diverse toolsets and specialized engine-focused jams that deepen community expertise. Both create complete games in 48 hours, but the format and community differ.

Multi-Engine Jams

Events like Global Game Jam offer:

  • Physical jam sites worldwide for in-person collaboration
  • Freedom to use Unity, Unreal, Godot, or any engine
  • Massive global reach connecting diverse creators
  • Broad perspectives across game development tools
Specialized Engine Jams

Events like gm(48) offer:

  • Remote participation from anywhere with flexible scheduling
  • Deep GameMaker Studio 2 expertise and GML support
  • Focused community sharing engine-specific resources
  • 8+ years of GameMaker-focused learning and collaboration

Key Differences

Understanding how these jam types differ helps you choose the experience that matches your development goals and learning style.

Engine Focus

Global Game Jam: Any engine welcome—Unity, Unreal, Godot, custom tools. Explore different technologies and workflows.

gm(48): GameMaker Studio 2 only. Deep GML expertise, shared code libraries, and engine-specific problem-solving.

Community Depth

Global Game Jam: Massive network across 100+ countries. Diverse perspectives from different development backgrounds.

gm(48): Specialized GameMaker community with 8+ years of focused knowledge sharing and ongoing relationships.

Format & Location

Global Game Jam: Physical jam sites for in-person collaboration. Meet developers face-to-face and network locally.

gm(48): Fully online and remote-friendly. Participate from home with flexible scheduling across time zones.

Scale & Reach

Global Game Jam: Thousands of participants worldwide. Largest collaborative game creation event globally.

gm(48): Focused GameMaker community. Tight-knit group where veterans recognize and mentor returning participants.

Decision Guide

Which Jam is Right for You?

Both jams provide valuable experiences. Choose based on your current goals, preferred learning style, and the type of community support that helps you grow.

Choose Global Game Jam when:
  • You want in-person networking at physical jam sites
  • You're exploring multiple game engines or haven't chosen one yet
  • You want to connect with the largest global game jam community
  • You prefer the energy and collaboration of co-located teams
  • You enjoy working with diverse tools and technologies
Choose gm(48) when:
  • You're using or learning GameMaker Studio 2
  • You want GameMaker-specific help and GML code feedback
  • You prefer online participation with flexible scheduling
  • You're building a GameMaker-focused portfolio
  • You value deep engine expertise from the community

Why gm(48) for GameMaker Developers

When everyone uses the same engine, the community provides focused support that accelerates learning and problem-solving during the intense 48-hour window.

Everyone Speaks GML

When the entire community uses GameMaker Studio 2:

  • Someone always knows how to fix that collision bug you've been stuck on
  • Share GML code directly in Discord for immediate feedback and solutions
  • Learn optimization tricks and techniques that actually work in your GameMaker projects
  • Build on shared GameMaker libraries and community resources from past jams
8+ Years of GameMaker Community

The gm(48) has been running since 2014:

  • Over 45 quarterly jams building ongoing relationships
  • 1880+ GameMaker games created by the community
  • Some prototypes grew into commercial Steam releases through Developer Funding
  • Veterans recognize and mentor returning participants across multiple jams
Focused Learning Path

Specialized jams offer depth:

  • Master GameMaker-specific patterns and best practices from experienced developers
  • Access curated learning resources tailored to GML programming
  • Build portfolio pieces that demonstrate GameMaker competency to potential employers
  • Join a community that understands your specific engine challenges and workflows

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about choosing between jam types and formats.

Absolutely! Many developers participate in both jams. Global Game Jam happens in January each year, while gm(48) runs quarterly. Both jams offer unique benefits—Global Game Jam provides massive global networking, while gm(48) offers focused GameMaker expertise. Participating in both expands your network and accelerates skill development. Check the game jam schedule to plan ahead.

For GameMaker-specific learning, gm(48) provides unmatched focused expertise. The entire community uses GameMaker Studio 2, so you receive engine-specific help, share GML code directly for feedback, and learn techniques that transfer to your projects. Global Game Jam offers broader game development perspectives across multiple engines, which is valuable for understanding the industry landscape. If your goal is mastering GameMaker, gm(48) accelerates that journey through specialized knowledge sharing.

Basic GameMaker familiarity helps, but complete beginners are welcome. If you can create simple player movement, basic collisions, and understand game loops, you're ready to participate. The community actively helps newcomers learn GML during the jam, and the resource library provides learning materials. Many first-time participants successfully create games with support from experienced developers in Discord. The key is willingness to learn and ask questions.

Global Game Jam is ideal for multi-engine teams. Teams can freely combine Unity, Unreal, Godot, or any combination of tools that suits their workflow. Different team members can work in their preferred engines. In contrast, gm(48) requires all development happen in GameMaker Studio 2, ensuring consistent tooling and focused community support. If your team prefers different engines or wants that flexibility, Global Game Jam accommodates that approach better.

Both jams maintain collaborative rather than cutthroat cultures. gm(48) features rankings and prizes but emphasizes a supportive environment where veterans actively mentor newcomers. Global Game Jam traditionally emphasizes creativity and participation over competition, though individual jam sites vary. Choose based on community style preferences and learning goals rather than competition level. Both communities celebrate creativity and completed projects regardless of ranking. Review the gm(48) rules to understand the judging criteria and feedback requirements.

gm(48) is entirely online, offering remote-friendly participation from anywhere. This provides flexibility—work from home, maintain your sleep schedule across time zones, and participate without travel costs. Global Game Jam features hundreds of physical jam sites worldwide where developers gather in person for face-to-face collaboration and local networking. If you prefer in-person energy and meeting developers in your area, Global Game Jam provides that experience. For maximum flexibility and comfort, gm(48)'s remote format works well.

Both jams actively welcome and support beginners. Choose gm(48) if you're learning GameMaker and want focused engine-specific support throughout the jam. The specialized community helps with GML questions, debugging, and GameMaker workflows. Choose Global Game Jam if you want to explore different tools, enjoy in-person mentorship at physical sites, or prefer the energy of co-located beginner groups. Both communities actively help first-time jammers scope appropriately and finish strong. Read what is a game jam to understand the general format before jumping in.

gm(48) awards GameMaker Studio 2 licenses to top entries and offers a unique Developer Funding program where standout prototypes receive funding and mentorship to grow into commercial releases. This provides a potential path from jam game to Steam storefront. Global Game Jam prizes vary significantly by jam site location—some offer prizes, others focus purely on the creative experience and community. Both jams provide valuable portfolio-building opportunities, community recognition, and networking that often matters more than physical prizes. Learn more about why participate in gm(48).
Ready to participate in a GameMaker game jam?
The next gm(48) begins on January 17 and is open for free to GameMaker developers of any type, skill level and background.

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Why participate?
Become better at game design, game development and GameMaker
Compete to win a license to GameMaker Studio 2 as prize, sponsored by YoYo Games
Get constructive feedback from a diverse community of game developers by participating

From Idea to Game in 48 Hours

Join thousands of GameMaker developers who have discovered the joy of game jams.

No experience? No problem. GameMaker developers of all skill levels and backgrounds use the gm(48) game jam to create games, learn new skills, and connect with the community.

Ready to start your game development journey? Create an account and join the next gm(48) game jam!

Why Participate? What is a Game Jam? Upcoming game jams