Zoud GameLab 2026
A virtual game jam on financial literacy from October 15 to November 15, 2026, open worldwide, with a prize and funding pool of up to $140,000.
Zoud GameLab 2026 is an international game jam launched by Zoud, the national financial wellbeing initiative of the United Arab Emirates, and Global Game Jam. It asks developers and creators to build games around financial literacy. The jam runs online from October 15 to November 15, 2026.
The jam has a shared prize and funding pool of up to $140,000 USD. Awards go to the best overall game, the runner up and third place, with further awards for games that contribute to financial literacy, bring regional perspectives or deliver strong gameplay. The organizers describe the awards as prizes and support for further development.
Anyone can take part, from any country. The jam is open to developers, designers, artists, writers and studios of all levels, including teams with no experience of educational games. During the month, participants form teams, develop a concept and submit a game. Integrating financial literacy into the game is part of the judging criteria, and entries competing for the top awards must also submit a project budget.
A preparation programme starts on September 15, 2026, with webinars, workshops, a guide to making a financial literacy game, and office hours with experts. The judging criteria are revealed when the jam begins on October 15. Winners are announced in mid December 2026.
Register on the Zoud GameLab website.