Game Gauntlet SIM Jam 2026
Six week online game jam to build a game that simulates a system, with $1,000 for first place and $500 for second. Submissions close 4 November 2026.
The Game Gauntlet SIM Jam is a six week online game jam on itch.io. The task is to build a game that simulates a system, which can be real, invented or ridiculous. Game Gauntlet runs it, and the game company Cosmic Forces presents it.
First place wins $1,000 in cash and second place $500. The top three teams also get trophies and tool and asset prizes from sponsors. First place adds an IGDA membership and legal services from Odin Law and Media. The top placing team that used Unity gets a Unity mentorship.
Developers from anywhere can join, alone or in teams of up to 5. Every contributor must be listed and must join the jam Discord server. Games must be rated ESRB T or lower, and M rated entries are not accepted.
Submissions opened on 23 September 2026 and close on 4 November 2026 at 2:00 PM ET. Community rating runs from 5 to 10 November. The five finalists are named on 11 November and get judge feedback, a live demo and a demo station at the event on 21 November.
The review panel includes industry figures from investment, publishing and game direction. The organizer says the jam is a way to connect with other developers, learn, promote your work and get it in front of game industry experts.
Quick answers
Which engine and build format are required?
Any engine is allowed. The game must be submitted as a Windows .exe or a browser (WebGL) build.
How are winners chosen?
The community rates entries from 5 to 10 November. The top 5 are named on 11 November, send a finalist video by 13 November, and an industry judging panel picks the winners on 14 November.
How is the cash paid?
In US dollars through Oncade. Winners must fill in a W-9 (US) or W-8BEN (outside the US) tax form.