GGJ NEXT® is an annual event operated by the Global Game Jam® to serve younger people (12-17 years old) who are interested in learning the creation of video games.

In 2023 local site leaders are free to choose the format of your jam site, either in-person, online, or a hybrid mix of both. We support local jam leaders to run bot online and in-person workshops and events for their local communities.

Similar to the primary GGJ® event in January every year, GGJ NEXT is designed to stimulate collaboration and teamwork; it is not a competition.

Leadership Committee

In additional to GGJ staff, this event is run by a small international team of volunteers banded together to share our collective knowledge of game development. This collaboration results in a curriculum for educators and parents to bring game development to classrooms, after school programs, community groups, and homes all around the world. Here are some of the people who are currently leading GGJ Next and have helped build the curriculum that is available to you today.

Ali Arya

Adeeb Syed

Brendon Trombley

Carol Stanger

Christopher Totten

Kate Edwards

Executive Director

Tim Cullings

Director of Operations

Jo Summers

Executive Committee

Kevin Miklasz

Curriculum Project Manager

Matthew Farber

Michael Gi

Noa Lahav

Scott Price

Apply to run an online jam

NB: All fields are required


Please tell us which location you helped with in the past:


  1. I will make myself available for a phone or chat conversation with GGJ NEXT organizers before Jam Site approval, and for possible emergencies after approval.
  2. I understand that I am making a commitment to run a 2 week online event, including 1 week of teaching and learning, and 1 week of a jam. I agree to commit to running the structure proposed by GGJ NEXT to the best of my ability, and be available and online for both kids and GGJ staff for at least 2 hours a day during the 2 week event period.
  3. I understand that Global Game Jam Inc. is not responsible for any incidents, accidents or problems that may occur.
  4. I understand and agree the importance to the commitment of child safety, and understand that my GGJ NEXT site can only go ahead once the legal contract has been signed and returned to Global Game Jam Inc, signed by both you and the head of the organisation where you are hosting the jam.
  5. I agree to use the GGJ NEXT logo on online and printed literature when promoting the event.
  6. I agree that I and the jammers will fill in a feedback survey at the end of the jam, to help contribute towards the event's research goals.
  7. I agree to show a short keynote at the start of the jam, and jam around the theme presented in the keynote.
  8. I agree to encourage kids to compile some video footage of the output of the jam, including some 'Let's play' videos of the games (either cast from the screen or recorded with a camera).

Apply to become a mentor

NB: All fields are required


Please tell us which location you helped with in the past:


Please Specify:

  1. I will make myself available for a phone or chat conversation with GGJ NEXT organizers before Jam week
  2. I understand that Global Game Jam Inc. is not responsible for any incidents, accidents or problems that may occur.
  3. I understand and agree the importance to the commitment of child safety.
  4. I agree to use the GGJ NEXT logo on online and printed literature when promoting the event.