sakura game jam

a game jam for girls, by girls

14 days to create
$500+ in prizes
jan 1 start date

about

welcome to the sakura game jam! join us for a two week long event where girls and underrepresented gender minorities can come together to create cool games.

whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out, this jam is all about creating something special, learning new skills, and connecting with a supportive community of creators!

this year's theme: [to be announced]

interpret it however you like! whether it's [info relating to theme], let your creativity blossom. if it's not to your fancy, there's a prize category for games that do not incorporate the theme as well.

timeline

january 1, 2026
jam begins! theme revealed
january 1-15, 2026
development weeks - create your game!
january 15, 2026
submissions close at 11:59pm PST
january 16-21, 2026
community voting & judging period
january 22, 2026
winners announced!

prizes

🥇 first place
$100 + [sponsor prizes] + website feature + certificate and discord title
🥈 second place
$50 + [sponsor prizes] + website feature + certificate and discord title
🥉 third place
$20 + [sponsor prizes] + website feature + certificate and discord title
⭐ judges' choice
$20 + [sponsor prizes] + website feature + certificate and discord title
🌙 best no theme game
$20 + [sponsor prizes] + website feature + certificate and discord title

faq

who can participate?
this jam is open to female and underrepresented gender minority creators from around the world. if you're passionate about making games, you're welcome here!
is there a cost to participate?
nope! the jam is completely free to enter. we want to make game development accessible to everyone.
do i need experience to join?
not at all! we welcome beginners and experienced developers alike. we'll have workshops and resources in our discord server to help you learn as you go.
can i work in a team?
yes! you can participate solo or form teams of any size. you can find teammates in our discord community! note that more will be expected from games made by teams as opposed to individual submissions.
what tools can i use?
any game engine or tool is allowed - unity, godot, gamemaker, scratch, you name it. use whatever you're most comfortable with.
how are winners chosen?
first, second, and third prizes are chosen through itch.io's community voting, and they must incorporate the theme. the judges' choice award will be chosen by our team and must incorporate the theme. the themeless award will also be chosen by our team, and is for creators who chose to not incorporate the theme.
can i use old games i made before the jam?
no, games must be entirely created during the jam period.
i have a question that's not listed here, what do i do?
please email [email address to be made] or join our discord server and ask there!

join us!

ready to create something beautiful?

register now