Global Game Development Competition 2026 with Prizes of Up to $140,000

The UAE-based Zoud initiative, in collaboration with Global Game Jam, has launched the international Zoud GameLab 2026 game development competition, giving programmers, designers, artists, and content creators from around the world the opportunity to create digital games that promote financial literacy in engaging and interactive ways.

The competition is held under the theme “Make FinLit Fun” and aims to transform everyday financial concepts—such as saving, budgeting, spending, investing, and debt management—into educational games that encourage players to make better financial decisions.

Participants may develop games using any game engine or development tool of their choice, either individually or as part of a team. They can also benefit from mentoring sessions and educational resources provided by experts in game development and financial literacy.

• Prizes and game development support with a total value of up to $140,000 USD.

• Awards for the best game, as well as second and third place.

• Additional awards for games that make an outstanding impact on financial literacy and awareness.

• Recognition for games that offer a distinctive regional perspective or an innovative gameplay experience.

• A special award for the best game from the United Arab Emirates.

• Opportunity to receive funding to further develop selected projects, subject to the competition’s selection criteria.

• Mentoring sessions and meetings with experts in game design and development.

• Technical feedback to help participants improve their projects during the competition period.

• Participation in an international virtual event and networking opportunities with game developers from different countries.

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old by November 15, 2026.

• The competition is open to participants from all countries worldwide.

• Participants may enter individually or as part of a team, with no maximum limit on the number of team members.

• Game development studios are also eligible to participate.

• Programmers, game designers, artists, writers, and other creative professionals may apply.

• Previous participation in Global Game Jam events is not required.

• Participants may use any game engine, platform, or development tool.

• The project must be related to the theme of financial literacy.

• All team members must register individually.

• Participants must comply with the competition rules and intellectual property policies.

Submission Requirements

To compete for game development funding, the submission should include:

1. The game developed by the participant or team.

2. A document explaining the game concept or an initial Game Design Document (GDD).

3. A 2-minute video showing actual gameplay footage.

4. A proposed Game Budget for further development.