Why Participate?
The gm(48) helps you actually finish a GameMaker project: a 48‑hour deadline, lean scope, and constructive feedback from people who create in GML every day. You get new skills in GameMaker, useful critique, and a friendly community that remembers you when you come back.
New to game jams? Learn what game jams are first.
Why Everyone Uses GameMaker
When everyone's using the same engine, the community just works better.
Everyone Speaks GML
When everyone's in GameMaker Studio 2:
- Someone always knows how to fix that collision bug
- You can paste GML code directly in Discord for help
- Learn tricks that actually work in your projects
- Build on shared libraries and resources
8 Years of Community
We've been doing this since 2014:
- 47 jams and counting
- 1880+ games made by the community
- Some games went on to Steam releases
- GameMaker licenses for top entries
Why It Matters
In multi-engine jams, half the time you're just explaining how your engine works. Here, everyone gets it. Someone's always dealt with that particle system issue, knows a better way to handle state machines, or can point you toward open-source GameMaker projects built by the gm(48) community.
The Discord stays active between jams too—people share techniques, help debug, and show off what they're working on in real time.
What You Get Out of Game Jams
Beyond the obvious stuff like "portfolio pieces" and "learning."
Find Your People
Connect with other GameMaker devs, find teammates, and hang out in the Discord where people actually help each other.
Get Better at GML
Learn from people who've been using GameMaker for years. The tricks you pick up here don't come from tutorials.
Win Stuff Sometimes
Top games get GameMaker licenses. Really good ones might get featured or funding to go commercial.
Learn to Scope
48 hours forces you to cut ruthlessly and focus on what matters. This skill is worth way more than you think.
Get Real Feedback
People who actually know GameMaker will critique your work. Not just "cool game" but useful stuff.
Actually Finish Something
Most projects die at 30%. You'll have a playable game people can try. That feeling's worth it.
Let's Be Real
48 hours is tough. Here's what actually happens:
But here's the thing:
Every gm(48) veteran says the same thing:
"It's hard, but I'd do it again."
What gm(48) Participants Think
Read what former participants have to say about the gm(48) game jam
5Was very fun and learned a lot about common mistakes I make
5It was fun to make a game about a kid shooting down an internet company under 48 hours
5Great way to practice your skills. Creativity through restriction is a great way to come up with good ideas.
The reviews are also good and give fair criticism that helps you improve.
5https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gP0Z9ehClR0&t=1s
This was a tough one. It was a challenging theme. I love seeing what other people come up with with theme-based Jams. So cool how other people think.
5It's the only GameMaker game jam that's worth participating in.
It's well-supported and every time I'm shocked at how good the game entries are!
It pushes me to be a faster, better developer.
5Trying to make a game in 48 hours proves one main thing, and that is how short 48 hours really is. Fun, Stressful and Brain-Numbing is what best describes the feeling that engulfs you throughout the competition.
5The great thing about GM48 is that everyone's using the same platform. This makes it easy to collaborate, discuss code and help each other, especially if you join the GameMaker discord server. It really strengthens the community aspect of the game jam.
5I'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.
5GM48 was difficult but rewarding. Two days don't seem as much time but many things can be made in this timespan.
5GM(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!
5Loved the jam. Teaming up and making something great in 48 hours (with some sleep) was a great experience. If you make stuff in Game Maker, this is the jam for you.
5Phew! What a ride gm(48) is! I certaintly learned a ton from the jam, and it's inspired a game idea for me!
If you want be a better game developer in general, and spark some game ideas in your head, gm(48) is the place for you!
Ready to Try It?
The next GameMaker game jam is January 17, 2026.
Here's how to get started:
Hang out, meet people, find teammates
Know what's allowed, submission requirements, etc.
Try making something small in a few hours
Clear your weekend, get reminders set up
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions from folks considering their first gm(48)