Shoppers of ideas and makers of worlds are queuing up: the IGDA LGBTQ+ SIG Pride Game Jam 2026 is open for entries, calling developers to explore "Asylum" and what displacement, protection and politics feel like , a timely, empathy-led brief running on itch.io through June.

  • Open now: submissions accepted on itch.io until 30 June 2026, judging 1–14 July.
  • Bold theme: "Asylum" uses the UNHCR definition to ask developers to portray how instability affects people.
  • Who can enter: anyone 18+ worldwide, no prior membership needed; prizes include Steam vouchers and IGDA membership.
  • Community backing: run by IGDA LGBTQ+ SIG and ENTRY LVL, supported by IGDA Women in Gaming + SIG, IGDA and AAPI in Gaming, and streamed by Trans Resistance Massachusetts.
  • What to expect: thoughtful, political entries; accessible forums; portfolio-building opportunities via a concurrent review event.

A game jam asking for real stories , emotional and political

This year’s Pride Game Jam starts with a punch: the brief is "Asylum", borrowing the UNHCR’s working definition to centre experiences of refuge, displacement and protection. That framing nudges creators away from abstract mechanics and toward human detail , the quiet textures of waiting rooms, a pantry’s thin comforts, or the relief in a stamped form. According to the UNHCR definition, asylum is about more than borders; it's about safety and dignity, and that gives the jam a clear moral compass. If you want to make a game that moves people, this is the kind of prompt that helps.

Who’s running it and why this matters

The jam is organised by the IGDA LGBTQ+ SIG alongside ENTRY LVL, a volunteer community for new entrants to the industry. The IGDA group has a long history of combining advocacy and craft, and ENTRY LVL brings practical access: free resources, mentorship vibes and a Discord packed with newcomers. That mix makes the event both activist and useful , it’s not just about making statements, it’s about helping people build portfolios and careers. If you’re nervous about submitting, remember this is explicitly welcoming to neurodivergent and LGBTQIA2S+ creators.

Practical details every entrant should know

Entries are open on itch.io now and close on 30 June, with judging taking place from 1–14 July. Anyone aged 18 and over can enter; you don’t need to belong to any organising group. Prizes include Steam vouchers and IGDA memberships for first, second and third places, and judges come from the IGDA LGBTQ+ SIG, IGDA Women in Gaming + SIG, and ENTRY LVL. If you want to sign up, head to the jam’s itch.io page to read the full rules, upload builds and check submission formats. Small tip: build a short, clear devlog so judges and streamers can quickly understand your intent.

Partnerships that extend reach , and cash for causes

This jam isn’t happening in a silo. The IGDA Women in Gaming + SIG is contributing, IGDA and AAPI in Gaming sponsor the event, and Trans Resistance Massachusetts will stream submitted entries during a Drag for a Cause show. That stream not only showcases games but channels tips and bundle sales back to the organisations involved, so your entry can also help fund community work. It’s a neat loop , games that speak to asylum can be amplified by real-world fundraising and visibility.

Why this jam is worth entering even if you’re portfolio-focused

If you’ve got a pile of prototypes but no time for a big project, take note: the IGDA LGBTQ+ SIG is also running a Portfolio Review: Improvement Boogaloo for folios rather than full games. So whether you want to sharpen a playable concept for judges or polish your CV and visuals for industry eyes, there’s room to engage. ENTRY LVL’s active Discord and the IGDA LGBTQ+ SIG’s membership give entrants feedback channels and community energy , useful if you want critique that’s both compassionate and career-minded.

What to think about when you design for "Asylum"

Design choices should respect complexity: avoid caricature and aim for nuance in mechanics, dialogue and environmental storytelling. Consider accessibility , language options, control remapping and readable text , so narratives about refuge reach more people. Use the jam’s brief to ask practical questions: whose perspective are you centring, what small interactions convey waiting or relief, and how will playtime scale for a short jam entry? Judges will likely reward empathy and craft over scope, so a focused, polished piece often beats an ambitious but rough prototype.

It's a small change that can make every game feel more necessary.

Source Reference Map

Story idea inspired by: [1]

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