UWL Game Jams
22 - 29 May 2026 · University of West London
Congratulations to our finishing teams
3 young developers, the team members of the team Journey, sat at a desk on gaming chairs while facing the camera and smiling
Journey
5 young developers, the team members of the team TLDR, sat at a desk on gaming chairs while facing the camera, smiling, and giving thumbs-up gestures
TL;DR
4 young developers, the team members of the team Microplastics, sat at a desk on gaming chairs who are facing the camera with neutral expressions
Microplastics
4 young developers, the team members of the team Coral Tubbies, sat at a desk on gaming chairs while facing the camera and smiling
Coral Tubbies
3 young developers, the team members of the team CTRL ALT X, sat at a desk on gaming chairs while facing the camera with a neutral expression
CTRL ALT X
2026 Theme

Reefs: Where Life Builds Structure

Inspired by the wider global focus on reefs and rainforests, the SGJ'26 theme explored how living systems create, support, protect, and connect the world around them.

Reefs are more than underwater ecosystems - they are structures that support life. From coral formations beneath the sea to cities, digital networks, communities, alien worlds, and human relationships.

Teams were encouraged to interpret the theme broadly, creatively, and unexpectedly.

Inspired by Playing For The Planet's “Reefs & Rainforests” theme for the Green Game Jam 2026.

What is the A Summer Game Jam logo containing just SGJ'26 in bright colouring ?

The Game Jam is a twice-annual event at UWL, and the Summer Game Jam is the big one. It brings together competitors from four schools and more than ten courses (so far) for a week of creativity, collaboration and competition.

Working to a live brief set by our major partners, teams of programmers, artists, graphic designers, musicians and more come together to build original games within a limited timeframe.

With support from our dedicated and expert teaching team throughout the week, many participants say the Game Jam is where they produce some of their best work.

An animated gif of an excited game jam team celebrating their win by holding their heads and ending with a huge hug between 2 members

Event Documentary

Our famous Summer Game Jam documentary is back! Watch the full video below. This documentary video is made possible by the voluntary participation of our staff and students from BA (Hons) Esports, who captured the event and interviews with professional equipment loaned from the LSFMD distribution room.

Completed Projects

Developer: Coral TubbiesGenre: Puzzle, casual, cozy

Save the reef! Yes, I mean you -- put on this wet suit and get scrubbing! This game has players multi-tasking to save 5 adorable reef-mates through a series of small mini-games. If you see a reef in distress, remember the correct fix and complete the mini game to bring them back to health - but watch out, as long-term damage can kill them 🙁

Play on Itch.io
Screenshot of gameplay for Reef Relief featuring a colourful reef character who is wincing with an orange exclamation mark above its head, signifying action needed by the player
Developer: MicroplasticsGenre: Puzzle, operating system simulation

Anyone can help to save the reefs - even those indirectly responsible for causing them damage. In this game, the player is a lowly IT worker within a global company who appear to be fudging their environmental reports. Well, two can play at that game. Make ethically (and morally) dubious decisions to save the planet whether the company like it or not, all while enjoying the visual aesthetic of Windows 98 and the sound of dial-up internet.

Play Game
Screenshot of gameplay for White Coral Crime containing a simulated screen and Windows-style operating system. There are open applications on the OS, and a picture of a dog wearing a cone in the background
Developer: MicroplasticsGenre: First-Person Shooter

Become the defender of the reef! In this game the player must cool the ocean-warming underwater vents with the power of their bubble gun. However, the vents aren't the only thing that need an angry bubble shot in their direction - an army of crabs and fish aren't too happy that you've invaded their home. Can you cool the water before it's too late?

Screenshot of gameplay for Coral Guardian, containing a bright underwater scene with reeds and coral in view. There is a large weapon model at the bottom of the image, and a game UI around the outside.
Developer: TLDRGenre: Tower defence, side-scrolling strategy

You cannot win against the corporation - but you can still try! This game pits you in horizontally-scrollable warfare with the impacts of an evil organisation, led by a familiar face (it is modelled after one of the lecturer's likenesses...). Defeat enemies using a recall-able trident to earn points which can be spent on spells. But hurry - the reef is taking damage every second due to toxic exposure, and those evil fish look like they're up to no good either!

Play on Itch.io
Screenshot of gameplay for Reef Retribution containing an underwater scene with cards held on the bottom of the screen, and bright UI around the outside. The game scene has a mermaid creature with bright green fish and sludge creatures in front of them
Developer: Team JourneyGenre: First-Person Shooter

Who says the reef is "Doom"ed? This classic boomer shooter has players destroying evil monsters in a gloomy underwater environment. Environmentalists say that these are the problems of our generation, but we're yet to find a problem that can't be solved with a massive gun. 

Screenshot of gameplay for Pelagos containing a muted, dim scene with 2 enemy creatures in front of the player view. There is a large pixel art weapon at the bottom of the screen, and a game UI around the outside.

What Were the Rules?

Teams
Teams may contain up to 5 participants.
Teams should ideally include a mix of skills, but all experience levels are welcome.
Participants may form their own teams prior to the event.
All teams must be registered before the sign-up deadline to guarantee entry.
Participants may be UWL students or alumni only.
Individuals without a team should join the Discord “Looking for Team” channel.
Participants are expected to commit to a minimum of 4 in-person development days on campus.
Lab space is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Event Structure
The event runs from 10:00 on 22 May 2026 to 17:00 on 29 May 2026.
The theme will be revealed at kickoff on 22 May at 10:00.
Development takes place within the event window only.
Any game engine or tools may be used (with valid licensing).
Free-for-use and commercially licensed assets are permitted.
Generative AI tools are allowed but should not replace core creative work.
Submission
All projects must be submitted online by 17:00 on 29 May 2026.
Submissions must be playable at time of judging.
Teams must include build instructions and credits.
Teams must specify engine, tools, and versions used.
Late submissions may not be included in judging.
Code of Conduct
Participants are expected to behave respectfully and collaboratively.
Harassment or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated.
Staff reserve the right to intervene to maintain a safe environment.
Judging & Awards
Winners will be announced at the UWL Game Awards on 12 June 2026.
Games will be evaluated across five criteria:
• Thematic Interpretation – clarity and strength of response to the theme.
• Game Design & Player Experience – mechanics, clarity, engagement, and balance.
• Technical Execution – stability, systems design, and technical ambition.
• Visual & Artistic Direction – cohesion, style, animation, and visual communication.
• Audio Design – use of sound and music to enhance experience.

Event Gallery

Photos from the Summer Game Jam 2026. Click any image to see the full album.

UWL Summer Game Jam image: two smiling representatives from SEGA Europe UWL Summer Game Jam image: 3 participants look puzzlingly at a computer screen. UWL Summer Game Jam image: 5 gamejam participants pose in front of a green screen holding a plushie Totorro. UWL Summer Game Jam image: 3 gamejam participants smile while working on individual PCs. UWL Summer Game Jam image: 4 gamejam participants look excited in front of a computer monitor. UWL Summer Game Jam image: a participant is attaching a microphone to the front of their tshirt with video recording equipment in front of them which is being adjusted.