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
5I had a great time participating in gm(48) number 30. I was lucky and everything just seemed to gel. This is my first successful game jam with Game Maker so I was happy it went well!
5This jam was a fun experience, and I look forward to the next GM48!
5I usually join Ludum Dare and other local jams, but I believe that GM48 are the ones I enjoy most.
It's a way to see what someone can do in just 48 hours with Game Maker, and the source code is usually available to mess with and to learn about.
5Participating in the jam was a lot of fun, I really enjoyed seeing enthusiastic updates from great creators who were jamming at the same time I was.
5I always have fun in this game jam. Every time I participate I have an amazing time and always push myself to learn something new. The feedback is always super useful, and to any new comers to game development I recommend this 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.
5What a great way to put my skills to the test, meet tons of like-minded people, and have fun all at the same time! This was my first time participating in a game jam, and I'm absolutely blown away by the amazing community surrounding this event! I will definitely be doing this again!
5I learnt a lot about time management and design. It was a lot of fun and I will be back next round!
5I've participated in 3 gm48 challenges so far, and everytime I continue to be impressed. My partner Ian is a wizard in GameMaker and I love seeing him make our creation's come to life! 10/10 will continue to participate every quarter.
5The GM48 is the perfect way for me to rekindle my love for game making. Every time I participate I can see a gradual improvement in my abilities and quality of my games.
5Drawing sprites is fun so it's a good experience. :)
5This gamejam was a first for me. This was a really good experience. The game we made is pretty hard and i would like to add an option to let the player training in a particular level if we had some more times.
Next time we going to do better. Prepare yourself 😎
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)