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The Global Game Jam (GGJ), the world’s largest game creation event, has officially opened its portal for 2026 jammers, and Nigeria is already making an impressive showing. After a successful 2025 edition hosted across four locations in Lagos and Abuja, the momentum continues as preparations for the 2026 Jam accelerate.
For 2026, two Nigerian sites have already been approved, signalling strong early participation and growing local enthusiasm for game development. This continued expansion reflects the steady rise of Nigeria’s creative and tech communities, especially in the area of interactive media and game design.
One of the standout developments for this edition is the appointment of Olorunfemi Adedeji as the first Nigerian Regional Organiser for the Global Game Jam. Serving as the Regional Organiser for Africa West/Central, his role places Nigeria firmly on the map within the global game development ecosystem. It also marks a major step for the region in shaping how African creators participate in and influence the worldwide Jam experience.
The 2026 edition also features the G4C “Next-Gen Experts” Jam, a special collaboration with Games for Change. This initiative focuses on social impact themes and encourages young creators to build games that address real-world issues. Participants aged 18 to 25 will have opportunities to submit their games for national and international recognition. Selected creators stand a chance to receive awards of up to 10,000 dollars and a trip to New York City, offering immense exposure on a global stage.
The 2026 Global Game Jam will run from January 26 to February 1, 2026, giving developers, designers, artists, writers, musicians, and hobbyists a full week to collaborate, innovate, and build games around a shared theme revealed at the start of the event. Whether participating on-site or online, jammers will once again engage in a global celebration of creativity, experimentation, and community.
With the portal now open, Nigerian game developers, aspiring and experienced alike, can begin registering, forming teams, and preparing for what promises to be an exciting and impactful edition of the Jam.
As the local scene continues to grow and with strong representation in global leadership, all signs point to 2026 being a breakthrough year for Nigeria in the world of game development. Stay tuned for more updates on locations, partners, and programming as the countdown to the Jam begins.
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