A game jam is a time‑boxed event (often 48 hours) where individuals or small teams build a complete playable game around a shared theme or constraint to practice creativity, rapid prototyping, and finishing scope‑appropriate projects.

How long does a game jam last?

Typical durations include 48 hours, 72 hours, one week, or a month. The gm(48) specifically uses a strict 48‑hour format for sharper scope management.

Can I join a game jam alone?

Yes. Solo entries are common, and many participants also form small focused teams with complementary roles.

Do I need experience to join a game jam?

No professional experience required. Constraints help beginners finish a minimal but complete loop and learn quickly.

Can I use pre-made assets or code?

Most jams allow generic libraries and licensed assets with attribution while requiring core creative content to be produced during the jam.

What happens after a game jam?

Usually a feedback or rating phase where participants play, rate, and comment—informing improvements and rankings.

Are game jams worth it for beginners?

Yes. They accelerate learning, portfolio building, collaboration, and confidence in finishing projects.

What is a Game Jam?

A game jam is simply a short, creative event (often 48 hours) where developers, artists, audio makers, writers—and anyone curious—team up (or go solo) to build a small playable game around a surprise theme. It’s a friendly space to experiment, learn fast, and connect with other GameMaker and indie developers.

Learn GameMaker Studio 2 Never miss another game jam

Already know game jams? Learn why they matter to developers.

Understanding Game Jams

A game jam (sometimes called a 48-hour game jam) brings people together—online or in person—to create a small game in a set amount of time (24–72 hours, a weekend, or a week). The point isn’t perfection; it’s creativity, learning, collaboration, and actually finishing something. Lots of people join to try a new tool, practice design, or just have fun making something playful.

Time-Limited

Usually 24-72 hours of intense creative development

Global Events

Usually held online with thousands of participants

Learning & Innovation

A platform for experimenting with new ideas and technologies

The History of Game Jams

Game jams started in the early 2000s as small, informal meetups. As indie development grew, so did the format. Now events like Ludum Dare, Global Game Jam, and the gm(48) GameMaker game jam welcome thousands of people of all skill levels. Over time the community has figured out better theme voting, scope control, rapid prototyping, and healthy feedback habits.

Game Jam Format and Structure

The game jam format is usually: theme reveal → quick brainstorming → get the core loop working → add just enough content → polish → submit. Some jams allow any engine; others (like the gm(48)) center on GameMaker Studio 2 so people can share engine‑specific tips. After submission there’s often a relaxed feedback or rating phase where you learn what resonated.

Benefits of Participating in Game Jams

Some core game jam benefits: you learn by doing, try creative risks without pressure, build portfolio pieces, and get real feedback. The deadline keeps things small and finishable—often leading to playful mechanics you’d never plan in a long project.

Rapid Skill Development

Learn game development, programming, production discipline, and design through intense hands‑on iteration. Time pressure forces prioritization of a minimal, fun core loop.

Community Building

Connect with diverse creators, share techniques, form teams, and build long‑term indie network relationships that extend beyond a single weekend.

Creative Innovation

Safely experiment with new mechanics, art styles, pipelines, shaders, narrative structures, or accessibility features without the pressure of long production cycles.

Portfolio Building

Produce a finished vertical slice or micro‑game demonstrating execution. Each submission evidences scope control and shipping ability—key portfolio signals.

Constructive Feedback

Gather structured feedback (ratings, comments, UX observations) that informs future balancing, onboarding, and accessibility improvements.

Finishing Projects

Deadlines teach ruthless scope management. Many developers finish more complete games via jams than long unbounded solo efforts.

Spotlight

The gm(48) GameMaker Game Jam

The gm(48) is a quarterly 48-hour game jam exclusively for GameMaker developers. The long-standing supportive community welcomes creators of all skill levels, from beginners to experts, fostering an environment of learning, creativity, and collaboration.

Game Developers

Games Submitted

Game Jams

Thinking about joining a GameMaker game jam? The next gm(48) starts on January 17. You can learn a ton, meet friendly people, and maybe even pick up a prize. Peek at the upcoming game jam schedule or explore past game jams to see what others finished.

Learn GameMaker Studio 2 Never miss another game jam

Game Jam Challenges

Game jams are fun—but the clock, scope creep, tech hurdles, and team coordination can still be tricky. A simple plan, version control, and remembering to rest make the whole experience smoother (and more enjoyable).

Time Pressure

The time frame can be stressful, and participants may need to work long hours or sacrifice sleep to complete their games on time. Proper planning and scope management are essential.

Scope Management

Learning to scope appropriately for the time limit is crucial. Many first-time participants attempt projects that are too ambitious for the timeframe.

Technical Challenges

Working with unfamiliar tools or attempting new techniques under pressure can lead to technical difficulties that eat into development time.

Team Coordination

For team participants, coordinating work, managing different time zones, and maintaining clear communication can be challenging but rewarding.

Even with the challenges, the loop of theme → build → refine → share → feedback is a friendly fast‑track for improving design instincts, shipping something small, and feeling part of a welcoming community.

What Participants Are Saying

ltsJoe Novice @ GameMaker Studio 2

Doing everything for this game was a fun experience. It definitely took a lot out of me towards the end, especially being my first real time in coding in awhile. Definitely was an amazing learning experience and a fun little game was made!

zancked Adept @ GameMaker Studio 2

This was my first game jam i have ever participated in, and i must say it was really fun! It's a great opportunity to learn and improve your game developing skills.

Narxii Novice @ GameMaker Studio 2

I've never participated in a game jam previously and was excited to join in with this. In the middle of tending to two children and going shopping it's been a blast!. The enjoyment of having a set target and project and cracking on to meet the deadline! definitely participate again.

kbjwes77 Composer

Whether you're looking for a tight-knit community, putting your abilities to the test, or simply scratching that game development itch, the GM48 is the definitive GameMaker experience.

Jmation Artist

It's always a challenge to create something in such a short time but one of the most useful aspects of the game jam is the feedback. Often the feedback will highlight something positive or areas of improvement which gives you direction and snaps you out of the bubble you are in.

Grace Artist

I always tend to have fun when jam season hits. Its a great chance to sit back and relax without having to stop programming or writing music or whatever. Creative freedom with minimal restrictions. It helps that GM48 is run by people who know what they're doing!

Batesville757 Intermediate @ GameMaker: Studio

This was my first game jam entry.

I wasnt able to wrap up a lot of the mechanics i was hoping for so by the end of the time and the game it was really a mess.

However I learned a lot from this game jam and am looking forward to making further entries, it was a blast.

Brandon H Nguyen Artist

Drawing sprites is fun so it's a good experience. :)

Jonathan Ouf Expert @ GameMaker Studio 2

Participating in GM48 was great! I've never felt this motivated to make something ever before. I'm definitely going to try and participate in future GM48s.

Toemking Apr 23, 2018

First GM48 was very over ambitious and it turned out to be a hot mess. Met some very nice people and will hopefully work with them in the future

Santino Sandor Coder

GM48 is not just a jam it is a fun way to test our knowledge.It makes us think in different ways to come up with good ideas.I think everyone should try it.While I was creating Static I learned a lot about pixel art and my weaknesses in game development.I really enjoyed it.

Problematicar Designer

GM(48) never fails to inspire and motivate me to make a game.

The community is awesome and I would've never made so many games without it.

It's the perfect balance between playing and making!

Frequently Asked Questions

A game jam is a time‑boxed event (often 48 hours) where individuals or small teams build a complete playable game (code, art, audio, design) from scratch around a shared theme or constraint. Emphasis is on creativity, learning rapid prototyping, and finishing a scoped, cohesive experience.

Common durations: 48 hours (classic weekend), 72 hours, one week, or month‑long practice jams. The gm(48) uses exactly 48 hours—ideal for enforcing scope discipline and rapid iteration cycles.

Yes—solo entries are common. Many also form focused micro‑teams (programmer + artist + audio). You can start alone, then invite collaborators during brainstorming if roles emerge.

No prior professional experience is required. Jams are beginner‑friendly: constraints reduce decision fatigue and encourage shipping a minimal loop (move → interact → score → restart) successfully.

Many jams allow any engine (GameMaker, Godot, Unity, etc.). Engine‑specific jams (like the gm(48) for GameMaker) level the playing field and amplify targeted knowledge sharing.

It depends on event rules. Commonly allowed: engine features, general libraries, licensed fonts, SFX packs with attribution. Typically required: original core gameplay code, art, and major audio created within the time window. Always read the jam rules.

Most jams include a post‑submission rating or feedback phase. Participants play each other’s games, leave comments, rate categories (e.g. design, fun, innovation), and sometimes vote. This loop guides post‑jam polishing and determines rankings or prizes.

Absolutely. You learn practical scoping, finish a complete project, gain real feedback, build portfolio material, and meet collaborators. One focused weekend can accelerate learning more than weeks of passive tutorials.

Continue Your Game Jam Journey

Now that you know what a game jam is, here are some helpful next steps if you’d like to keep going:

• Review the game jam rules & participation guidelines.
• Read the community mission statement & goals.
• Browse Hall of Fame winners for polished scope examples.
• Get notified: never miss another game jam.
• Discover open‑source GameMaker projects to learn patterns.
• Understand motivations in why participate in a game jam?
• Improve fundamentals with GameMaker learning resources.