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
5No matter your skill level with gamemaker, gm48 is great. It was my first game jam ever and I don't regret it at all, the feeling of community, simple website and rules, all lead to a wonderful and inspiring experience.
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.
5GM48's game jams are pretty challenging, as there are a lot of awesome and talented artists, designers and coders who participate in them.
5Had lots of fun creating pigmancer. First time creating a game with game maker. Will try to join in on the next GM48 also.
5First 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
5I had a perfect version at 7:00. Deadline gets extended 15 mins so I try to add one little thing to it. Fatal error on my submitted project with no way to fix one simple mistake that completely ruins an entire 48-hour slugfest BY MYSELF.
Probably won't be attending another.
5I agree wholeheartedly with MintyPython's testimonial: "GM48 is an inspiring and inclusive event fit for beginners and veterans alike. There's no better place for GameMaker devs to really come together as a community and show off what they've got."
5First game jam competition that can compete with the ludum dare, if you ask me. Had much fun particapating and looking forward to do it again.
5This is a great game jam. I joined this game jam when i was only 2 weeks into coding, and i enjoyed every second.
5If you want a quick break from your main project, and a dopamine hit from receiving waves of feedback from a passionate community, then the GM48 jam is for you!
5GM48 is an inspiring and inclusive event fit for beginners and veterans alike. There's no better place for GameMaker devs to really come together as a community and show off what they've got.
5This jam is a blast. It's a lot of fun to see your finished game, and you learn a lot about the development process in the meantime!
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)