POWER UP! Game Jam for Women 2026

POWER UP! Game Jam for Women is a free, international, fully online and non-competitive game jam designed to empower women in games. Women of all skill levels and backgrounds, as well as non-binary people comfortable in a women-focused community, make games together over four days, with mentorship from industry along the way. Started in 2024 by the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand, the New Zealand Game Developers Association and game companies Xequals and Frost Flame, and building on New Zealand's Koia Jam, it puts creativity and community ahead of competition and prizes.

The jam runs on the POWER UP! Discord server from 6:00pm on Saturday 24 October to 12:00pm on Wednesday 28 October 2026 (NZDT). Entry is free, and registering ahead makes it easier to find teammates, though you can also join with an existing team or go solo. It suits hobbyists, students, game industry practitioners and people new to game development who want to try roles such as game design, programming, art, music or narrative writing.