April 18-25, 2026

Build a game that feels forged by hand.

Pixel Forge Jam is a one-week online game jam where developers, artists, designers, musicians, and creators ship something original fast. Bring a fresh idea, turn it into a playable project, and share it with a community that wants to see cool work get made.

FormatOnline
Duration7 days
TeamsUp to 4
FocusNew games
Pixel Forge Jam

Make something weird, polished, experimental, or small. The point is to ship.

What It Is

About

A week-long jam built for people who want momentum, feedback, and a finished game at the end.

Pixel Forge Jam is a one-week game jam where developers, artists, designers, and creators come together to build something original from scratch.

You have seven days to experiment, iterate, and turn an idea into a playable game. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran, the jam is designed around creativity, learning, and finishing work you are proud to share.

If you cannot join this round, that is fine. More Pixel Forge Jam events are planned for the future.

Build

Ship something concrete

Use the jam to finish a game instead of letting another idea sit in a folder.

Learn

Try risky ideas fast

Jam constraints make experimentation easier because the scope is already short and sharp.

Share

Get seen by other creators

Receive feedback, recognition, and a finished piece you can point to after the week ends.

Key Dates

2026 Timeline

The jam is short on purpose. Plan your week early and leave time to package your submission.

April 18

Jam Starts

The theme goes live and the build week begins.

April 20

Brawl Stars Competition

Brawl stars competition begins. The winner gets the price.

April 23

Block Blast Competition

Block blast competition begins. The winner gets the price.

April 25

Submission Deadline

Have your page, files, and credits ready before the cutoff.

April 25-30

Voting Period

Play entries, leave feedback, and help surface strong work.

May 1

Winners Announced

Final placements and highlighted projects are shared after voting closes.

Prompt

Theme

The exact theme drops when the jam begins, but you can already start thinking about approaches and scope.

The official theme is revealed at the start of the jam.

Head to the Discord server for announcements, team coordination, and updates once the theme drops.

Interpret the prompt however you like. Strong entries usually take one idea and execute it clearly instead of trying to do everything.

Suggest a Theme

Send a possible theme idea to the organizers. Spam is not tolerated and may affect access to future Pixel Forge Jams.

How It Works

Rules

1

Participation

You can use any game engine you like and participate solo or in a team of up to 4 people.

2

Original Work

All work should be created during the jam period. Pre-made assets are allowed if properly credited. AI-generated content is not allowed.

3

Theme Usage

Your submission must include a short explanation of how your game uses the theme.

4

Content Guidelines

No hateful, offensive, or NSFW content. If your game includes horror or violence, clearly mention it on your game page.

5

Submission Format

A browser-playable version is highly recommended since it gets more plays and ratings. If not possible, Windows or Mac builds are acceptable.

6

Fair Play

Do not attempt to manipulate ratings in any way.

7

Respect & Feedback

Be respectful during the voting period and provide useful, constructive feedback to other participants.

What You Can Win

Prizes

Winners should contact [email protected] or join the Discord to claim prizes. Teams may receive one key per member, up to the number of available keys. Solo winners receive one key. Prize distribution depends on team size and available keys. Teams decide how shared rewards are split.

First Place

1 Winner

  • Code Crafters 2-year VIP membership ($720 value)
  • Up to 3 CraftPix annual premium subscriptions ($48 value each)
  • Complete Minifantasy bundle ($70 Value)
  • 12 months Minifantasy Patreon Subscription ($50 Value)
  • 1 Kronnect non-bundle asset license ($50 value)
  • Up to 2 Aseprite keys ($40 value)
  • 1 PixelOver key ($30 value)
  • Up to 4 .xyz domains (free for 1 year, $15 value each)
  • Up to 3 Pyxel Edit keys ($9 value each)
  • Featured on our websites, signed winner certificate, and Discord role
Second Place

1 Winner

  • Code Crafters 1-year VIP membership ($360 value)
  • Up to 3 CraftPix annual premium subscriptions ($48 value each)
  • 1 Kronnect non-bundle asset license ($50 value)
  • Up to 2 Aseprite keys ($40 value)
  • 1 PixelOver key ($30 value)
  • Up to 4 .xyz domains (free for 1 year, $15 value each)
  • Up to 3 Pyxel Edit keys ($9 value each)
  • Featured on our websites, signed winner certificate, and Discord role
Third Place

1 Winner

  • Code Crafters 6-month VIP membership ($180 value)
  • Up to 3 CraftPix annual premium subscriptions ($48 value each)
  • 1 Kronnect non-bundle asset license ($50 value)
  • Up to 2 Aseprite keys ($40 value)
  • 1 PixelOver key ($30 value)
  • Up to 2 .xyz domains (free for 1 year, $15 value each)
  • Up to 2 Pyxel Edit keys ($9 value each)
  • Featured on our websites, signed winner certificate, and Discord role
Fourth Place

1 Winner

  • Up to 3 CraftPix annual premium subscriptions ($48 value each)
  • 1 Kronnect non-bundle asset license ($50 value)
  • 1 PixelOver key ($30 value)
  • 1 Aseprite key ($20 value)
  • 1 Pyxel Edit key ($9 value)
  • Featured on our websites, signed winner certificate, and Discord role
Fifth Place

1 Winner

  • Up to 3 CraftPix annual premium subscriptions ($48 value each)
  • 1 Kronnect non-bundle asset license ($50 value)
  • 1 PixelOver key ($30 value)
  • 1 Pyxel Edit key ($9 value)
  • Featured on our websites, signed winner certificate, and Discord role
Judges' Favorites

3 Winners

  • Up to 3 CraftPix annual premium subscriptions ($48 value each)
  • 1 Aseprite key ($20 value)
  • Featured on our websites, signed winner certificate, and Discord role
  • Chosen by the Pixel Forge Jam organizers
  • Winners of ranked categories are not eligible
  • Top 15 from community vote will be judged
All Participants

Open to everyone who submits

  • Signed participation certificate (on request)

Sponsors

Questions

FAQ

If you are unsure about format, assets, or the community channels, the answers are here.

What is the theme?

The theme will be announced when the jam begins.

Does my game have to be in a specific format?

No. Browser-based games are a strong option because they are easy for more people to play, but a Windows version is also a good idea.

What assets can I use?

You can use any art, audio, code, or tools that you have the legal right to use. The vast majority of new work should still be created during the jam.

Can I submit a game that I already started?

No. Entries are expected to be made during the jam period.

Is there a Discord I can join?