Hackathons
2026 Vibe Jam: The Game Jam for AI-Powered Game Creation
Participate in the 2026 Vibe Coding Game Jam! $35,000 to win. Create a web game with 90% AI code before May 1st, 2026. Open to all, free.
Artificial intelligence is radically transforming the way we create video games. In 2026, the line between novice developer and game creator blurs thanks to AI-assisted coding tools. It is in this electrifying context that the 2026 Vibe Coding Game Jam returns, a unique competition where AI becomes your best teammate for creating innovative gaming experiences. With $35,000 in cash prizes and a passionate community, this edition promises to be a fascinating benchmark for the evolution of AI in game development.
🕹️ THE VIBE JAM IS BACK!
— @levelsio (@levelsio) April 2, 2026
I present you…
🌟 2026 @cursor_ai Vibe Coding Game Jam #vibejam
Sponsored by @boltdotnew + @cursor_ai
Start: Today!
Deadline: 1 May 2026 at 13:37 UTC, so you have a whole month to make your game!
REAL CASH PRIZES:
🏆 Gold: $20,000
🥈 Silver:… pic.twitter.com/zvJHxYH2zR
The Game Jam Challenge
The Vibe Jam 2026 presents an exciting challenge: create a web video game where at least 90% of the code is generated by artificial intelligence. The goal is to demonstrate that AI can produce professional-quality games, instantly accessible in the browser, without loading screens or heavy downloads.
Your game must be freely accessible on the web, ideally on its own domain or subdomain. Multiplayer games are particularly encouraged, but not mandatory. A major innovation this year: the inter-game portals system which allows players to move from one game to another with total continuity (username, color, speed, etc. preservation), thus creating a truly interconnected gaming network.
ThreeJS is the recommended engine, but you are free to use the technology of your choice.
Practical Info & Game Jam Schedule
Format : 100% online
Creation period : April 1st to May 1st, 2026
Key dates and rewards:
- Submission deadline : May 1st, 2026 13:37 UTC
- Gold : $20,000
- Silver : $10,000
- Bronze : $5,000
Who can participate in the Game Jam?
The 2026 Vibe Jam is open to everyone, regardless of your experience level. The criteria are simple but strict:
- Absolute novelty : only games created between April 1st and May 1st, 2026 are accepted
- 90% Rule : a minimum of 90% of the code must be written by AI
- Web accessibility : free game, no login or registration required
- Performance : instant loading, no loading screens
- One entry per person : focus your efforts on a single, quality game
- Own domain : your game must have its own domain or subdomain for tracking
Evaluation Criteria & Rules
The jury is composed of a member, as well as invited game developers and AI experts.
Essential technical rules :
- Integrate the official tracking widget:
<script async src="https://jam.pieter.com/2026/widget.js"></script> - Implement an exit portal to
https://jam.pieter.com/portal/2026to allow navigation between games - Optionally, create an entry portal to welcome players coming from other games
Resources & Official Links
- Tracking widget : https://jam.pieter.com/2026/widget.js
- Portal system : https://jam.pieter.com/2026/
- ThreeJS example code (portals) : https://gist.github.com/levelsio/ffdbfe356b421b97a31664ded4bc961d
- Sponsor contact : DM @levelsio on X
Why participate?
This game jam is much more than a simple competition. It’s an opportunity to test the limits of AI in game creation, learn new assisted development techniques, and join a community of innovators. Substantial cash prizes reward the best achievements, but the experience gained and the connections made are just as valuable.
