Supporting developers and helping them bring their ideas to life has always been at the heart of what we do. We are proud to sponsor Global Game Jam 2026, an event that drives innovation, experimentation, and collaboration in the game development community.

The Global Game Jam is not just a weekend challenge. It is a unique opportunity to connect with other creators, explore new ideas, and collaborate in a fast-paced, creative environment. Many projects start at jams, and a few of them even became fully released games. Others provide a chance to learn about new tools, experiment with development environments, and build connections and friendships that can extend beyond the event. We are excited to see what jammers will create this year.

Diversifiers at Global Game Jam

This year Genies is participating as part of the Global Game Jam diversifier program. Diversifiers are optional creative challenges that teams can choose to explore alongside the main theme. They are designed to inspire experimentation, expand creative vision, and help games stand out when browsing entries on the Global Game Jam site. You can choose up to four diversifiers for your project or focus on your own priorities and enjoy the jam in your own way.

So stay tuned and don’t forget to check the diversifiers list this year when you are jamming.

Getting Started with the Genies SDK

To make working with characters and avatars easier during the jam, you can start with the Genies SDK. Here is how to get going:

1. Download the Avatar SDK from the Unity Asset Store. It is free and ready to use. 

2. Check out the documentation to learn how to integrate avatars into your project.

3. Join our Discord to connect with other developers, get support while you are jamming, and share your creations.

The SDK provides fundamental tools for character systems so you can spend more time on gameplay, iteration, and refining your ideas.

Join Us in the Webinar

We are happy to be featured in the Prep Week webinars hosted by the Global Game Jam. Join us for the session Customizable Characters Made Easy: Genies SDK for Jammers

Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
Time: 2 PM UTC / 9 AM ET

A few topics we will cover include:

• How the Genies SDK can help you prototype and experiment faster with characters

• The story behind the SDK and the challenges of building a flexible customization system

• A live demo walkthrough of the SDK in Unity

• Opportunities for user rewards and creating custom assets

• A look at our roadmap and ways to extend your projects beyond the jam

Sign up here to reserve your spot!

Tips for a Successful Jam

A few tips as you prepare:

• Don’t be afraid to experiment. Jams are the perfect time to try bold ideas, connect with new people, and explore gameplay mechanics.

• Stay hydrated and take breaks. Your brain will thank you.

• Jams are an opportunity to learn new tools, explore development environments, and grow your skills.

• But most importantly, don’t forget to have fun, as that is the most important outcome of a jam.

• Our Discord is always open for technical support, feedback, or to simply show off your progress and games.

We look forward to seeing what you build. Good luck and happy jamming!