GAME JAM 2026

One Theme. One Month. Your Game.
 

The FIA Game Jam is a month-long creative challenge for young developers in grades 1–8.

On October 30, we'll reveal a surprise STEAM-inspired theme. From there, participants have until December 1 to dream up, design, build, test, and submit an original game.
 

No previous game development experience is required.
 

🎮 DIGITAL GAME
Scratch, Roblox Studio, Python, Godot, Unity, Unreal, MCreator—or another platform.

🎲 TABLETOP GAME
Board game, card game, strategy game, or another physical experience.

⚙️ HYBRID GAME
Combine technology and physical elements to create something entirely your own

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The Rules Are Simple

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• Your game must be an original creation.

• Your game should incorporate the official 2026 theme.

• Games may be digital, physical, or hybrid.

• Participants may use the development platform of their choice.

• Entries must be submitted by December 1.

• Games must be appropriate for a family audience.

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Bring your best ideas! Our judges will recognize outstanding games across three award categories.
 

🏆 Best Overall Game

Awarded to the game with the strongest overall performance across all judging criteria.
 

Winner Receives:

• Custom 3D-printed FIA Game Jam Champion Trophy

• Winner's name added to the Game Jam Hall of Winners Trophy, permanently displayed at The Future Innovators Academy

• One FREE Game Development Summer Camp at FIA

🎮 Most Unique Game Loop

Awarded for an especially creative, engaging, or unexpected approach to gameplay and game mechanics.

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Winner Receives:

• Custom 3D-printed FIA Game Jam Award

• 50% off one Game Development Summer Camp at FIA

 

💡 Most Creative Use of Theme

Awarded to the game that takes the Game Jam theme in an especially imaginative, surprising, or original direction.

 

Winner Receives:

• Custom 3D-printed FIA Game Jam Award

• 50% off one Game Development Summer Camp at FIA

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Every Game Counts

You don't have to win an award for your creation to be worth celebrating. Every submitted game represents imagination, problem-solving, experimentation, and a willingness to turn an idea into something playable.

We can't wait to see what you create!

Judging Criteria:

 

Creativity & Innovation (30%)

• Unique idea, interpretation of theme, and originality.
   

Gameplay & Fun (25%)

• Is it enjoyable? Does it keep the player engaged?
   

Theme Integration (20%)

• How well is the theme represented in the game?
   

Technical Achievement (15%)

• Use of tools, code complexity, or mechanics.
   

Presentation (10%)

• Visuals, sound, and overall polish relative to the participant’s skill level.​

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Ready. Set. JAM.

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1. Join the Jam
Fill out the interest form so we can send your family important updates and reminders.

 

2. Wait for the Theme
We'll reveal the official challenge theme on October 30.

 

3. Create Your Game
Brainstorm, design, build, test, improve—and have fun.

 

4. Submit by December 1
Digital games can be submitted online. Physical and hybrid games can be delivered to FIA.

 

5. Celebrate!
Winners will be announced at our Winter Open House on December 13.

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Built for Young Creators
 

Grades: 1st–8th
Experience: Beginner through advanced. You don't need to be an FIA student to participate.
Cost: Free, no purchase nessasary.
Location: Create your game anywhere
Game Format: Digital, tabletop, or hybrid

Does my child need coding experience?
No! Beginners are absolutely welcome. Participants can create a digital, tabletop, or hybrid game, so coding experience is not required.

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Does my child need to attend The Future Innovators Academy?
No. The FIA Game Jam is open to everyone—you do not need to be a current FIA student to participate.

 

Does it cost anything to enter?
No. There is no cost to participate, and no purchase is necessary.

 

Can siblings enter separately?
Yes! Each sibling is welcome to create and submit their own game.

 

Can participants work in teams?
Yes. Participants may work individually or as a team. If a team wins a prize, the prize will be divided equally among the team members.

 

Can parents help?
Parents and caregivers may help with setup and logistics, such as installing software, creating accounts, using tools safely, uploading files, or troubleshooting equipment.

However, the game itself should be the participant's work. Adults should not contribute ideas, write code, create artwork, design game mechanics, or complete other creative or technical elements of the game.

 

What programs can participants use?
Anything! Participants are welcome to use the programs, platforms, tools, and creative mediums of their choice. Scratch, Roblox Studio, Python, Unity, Godot, physical game pieces, cards, electronics—and beyond—are all welcome.

 

Does the game have to be digital?
No. Games can be digital, tabletop, physical, or a combination of formats.

 

Does the game have to be completely finished?
No! Game development is challenging, and sometimes ambitious ideas take longer than expected. If you don't finish your game before the deadline, submit it anyway. We're excited to see what you created and how far you got.

 

Do we need to attend the Winter Open House to win?
No. While we'd love to have you join us for the celebration, attendance is not required to win. Winners who are not present will be contacted after the event.

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