Cleveland Game Developers Global Game Jam 2026

The Cleveland Game Developers (CGD) are excited to host another Global Game Jam event here in Cleveland! At Global Game Jam locations worldwide, teams of artists, coders, designers, and musicians collaborate to build games over a weekend based on a specific theme. The event is open to all experience levels, no prior experience is required.

The event will take place at the Midtown Tech Hive, with the kick-off from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The site will close each evening at 10:00 pm and reopen at 10:00 am.
The Tru by Hilton Midtown hotel is right next door to the Tech Hive and is a great place to stay. If you are interested in staying at the hotel please contact one of the organizers or [email protected] to inquire about a potential special group rate.
The Tech Hive is centrally located and is easily accessible via public transportation on the RTA Healthline. There is parking on-site with overflow parking available across the street at 6701 Carnegie Ave. Thanks to The Tech Hive for lending us such an excellent space!

Your ticket price includes snacks and beverages all weekend long as well as networking opportunities on Friday night. Keynote speakers and the theme announcement will start promptly at 6:00 PM Friday. Final game demos and presentations will start at 3:00 PM Sunday. A ticket is required, even if you just want to watch the final presentations.

People interested in working with a team may form it in advance or take part in pitch sessions on Friday evening that will help make potential matches. Working solo is also an option. Participants will need to bring their own laptops, desktops, prototyping materials, software, or technology they need for creating games. Wi-Fi internet access will be available. Participants also have the option to build “paper prototype” games or board games using whatever supplies they wish to bring.

Per Global Game Jam rules this event is for individuals over 18 years of age with a valid photo ID. Those under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian purchase the tickets and attend at all points while the minor is present. All other Cleveland Game Developer meetings are open to all ages.

Contact Info: Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.

Want to volunteer? If you would like to help contact us at [email protected] for more information.

What is the Global Game Jam (GGJ)? The GGJ brings together talented individuals from within your community to create something awesome! It is a unique opportunity for people to push their skills and challenge their way of working. Participants work concurrently with developers around the globe; we rally around a central theme, and then have 48 hours to create a game. It's our hope that we will see some very experimental realized prototypes that you can continue to work on after the jam. Many games developed in previous Game Jams have become fully realized games. The GGJ is open source, hardware & software agnostic and all projects are protected under a Creative Commons license. We encourage people to try out new ideas and push themselves, within reason. We also strongly encourage participants to remember to eat and sleep, to stay at their best!

Once you have your ticket head on over to the CGD Global Game Jam site to register

Legal Notices: Purchasing a ticket to this event is considered a digital signature for the event's Waiver of Liability as outlined in this document. This event is for individuals over 18 years of age with a valid photo ID. Those under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian purchase the tickets and attend at all points while the minor is present.

By purchasing tickets to this event you are taking sole responsibility for your actions and possessions at the event. You are agreeing to waive Tech Hive, CGD Meetup Group, and their staff members against any claims or indemnity as a result of any hurt, loss, or damage that may be incurred at the event. Attendees also agree to adhere to the guidelines of the CGD Meetup Group's Social Code and Pro-Diversity / Anti-Harassment policies.

Event Rules: The event is non-smoking and use of alcohol or drugs is not permitted.

Attendees are responsible for the security of their belongings during the event. Do not leave any loose items in your parked vehicles. It is recommended that attendees take their belongings home with them each night.

Non-compliance with these rules could result in ejection from the event with no refund.

Be excellent to each other. We’re doing this to have fun!
Financial Needs Tickets: If the cost of the ticket is prohibitive to your financial situation, we have a certain number of financial needs tickets reserved. Please contact [email protected] and we can help set you up with one of these tickets. They are first come first serve.

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Host or Publisher Cleveland Game Developers Meetup Group