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Have you ever dreamed of creating your own game? Now is your chance!

The European Humanities University (EHU) invites students to EHU GAME JAM 2026 — an exciting three-day creative marathon dedicated to game development, innovation, experimentation, and teamwork!

From November 13 to 15, 2026, participants will come together to create original games, explore new technologies, learn from game industry professionals, and compete for awards in several nominations.

And here’s the exciting part: you can create both VIDEO GAMES and TABLETOP GAMES!

Whether you’re a programmer, artist, writer, game designer, musician, or simply someone with a great idea – this event is for you! No professional experience required. Just bring your creativity, enthusiasm, and willingness to experiment!

🎲 VIDEO GAMES OR TABLETOP GAMES? YOU CHOOSE!

At EHU Game Jam 2026, we believe that games are more than just software. Games are experiences, stories, systems, challenges, and opportunities for creativity.

That’s why participants can choose between developing:

🎮 VIDEO GAMES

Create digital experiences, experiment with gameplay mechanics, design interactive stories, build virtual worlds, and explore innovative technologies.

🎲 TABLETOP GAMES

Design board games, card games, strategy games, role-playing games, or entirely new tabletop experiences. Whether your game runs on a computer or comes to life around a table, what matters most is creativity, originality, and engaging gameplay! Your goal is to develop a playable prototype within the Game Jam’s limited timeframe.

🤖 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED!

Want to use AI to help create your game? Absolutely!

EHU Game Jam 2026 embraces emerging technologies and encourages participants to experiment with artificial intelligence throughout the creative process.

You don’t need to know how to code to participate!

AI tools can help newcomers explore game creation, while experienced developers can experiment with new workflows and technologies.

Use AI as your creative assistant – but let your imagination lead the way!

🎤 GUEST LECTURES AND INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Learn while you create!

Throughout EHU Game Jam 2026, participants will have the opportunity to attend lectures and presentations by invited speakers. Discover new perspectives on game development, design, production, storytelling, and emerging technologies. Our guest speakers will share their knowledge, experiences, and insights into the world of games.

This is your opportunity to:

• Learn from experienced professionals.
• Discover new approaches to game creation.
• Ask questions and exchange ideas.
• Gain inspiration for your projects.
• Connect with fellow creators and game industry enthusiasts.

The list of speakers and lecture topics will be announced soon!

🏆 AWARDS IN MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS!

Your creativity deserves recognition!

At the end of the Game Jam, participants will present their games, demonstrate their prototypes, and receive feedback. Outstanding projects and achievements will be recognised with awards in several nominations. Award categories may include:

🏆 Best Game – The most outstanding overall game experience.

🎨 Best Visual Design – Excellence in artistic creativity and presentation.

💡 Game Design – Original concepts and inventive mechanics.

📖 Best Narrative – Exceptional narrative and creative writing.

🤖 Best Use of AI – Creative and meaningful application of artificial intelligence.

🎲 Best Tabletop Game – Outstanding tabletop game design.

The final list of nominations will be announced during the event.

Remember: winning isn’t everything! All created games will be motivated to be complete and published.

👾 WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

ARTISTS, PROGRAMMERS, WRITERS, GAME DESIGNERS — EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

EHU Game Jam 2026 is open to students from all EHU study programmes!

Game creation is a multidisciplinary activity, and every talent can make a difference. Are you an artist who loves drawing characters and environments? A writer who dreams of creating interactive stories? A programmer who enjoys solving technical challenges? A game designer passionate about interesting mechanics? A musician who wants to create memorable soundtracks? Or simply someone who loves games and wants to try something new?

THERE IS A PLACE FOR YOU!

You don’t need previous game development experience, programming skills, or an established team. Come individually or with friends! During the opening session, participants will have the opportunity to pitch ideas, meet fellow creators, and form teams.

Different backgrounds. Different skills. One shared passion: creating games!

📅 EVENT PROGRAMME

🚀 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS!

🕔 Starting at approximately 17:00–18:00

• Welcome and opening ceremony.
• Introduction to the Game Jam and its rules.
• Guest presentations.
• Announcement of the secret Game Jam theme.
• Pitching game ideas.
• Team formation.
• Start of game development!

🔥 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

CREATE. EXPERIMENT. COLLABORATE.

A full day dedicated to developing your game!

• Game design and prototyping.
• Programming, art, writing, and sound design.
• Tabletop game development and playtesting.
• AI-assisted creativity and experimentation.
• Guest lectures and presentations.
• Teamwork, testing, and improving your game.

🏆 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

THE GRAND FINALE!

• Final development and polishing.
• Submission of playable prototypes.
• Game presentations and demonstrations.
• Jury evaluation and feedback.
• Awards ceremony.
• Celebration of participants’ achievements!

📍 EVENT INFORMATION

📅 Dates: November 13–15, 2026

📍 Location: European Humanities University, Vilnius, Lithuania

⏰ Duration: Friday evening – Sunday evening

👥 Participants: Students from all EHU study programmes

🎮 Games: Video games and tabletop games

🤖 AI: Use of AI tools is welcome and encouraged!

🎤 Special programme: Guest lectures and presentations

🏆 Awards: Multiple nominations recognising creativity, innovation, and teamwork

📝 Registration: https://forms.gle/CF7dS6FmJVPDCptVA

🎮 DON’T JUST PLAY GAMES. CREATE THEM!

One weekend can be enough to turn a simple idea into an extraordinary experience.

Meet new people. Discover your talents. Learn from professionals. Experiment with AI. Create something original. Whether you develop a digital adventure, a strategic board game, an interactive story, or an entirely new kind of game – your creativity is what matters!