CrazyGames x GameMaker: Global web Game Jam with prizes

An Indie Hero and CTRL ALT have joined forces to organize the CrazyGames x GameMaker Web Jam, a global creative marathon that takes place from September 18 to 21, 2025. With the partnership of CrazyGames — one of the largest online gaming platforms in the world — and GameMaker — an engine recognized for its accessibility and popularity among 2D creators — the jam invites developers of all levels to bring ideas to life and launch a playable web game in just four days.

The format is straightforward: 100% online, free, and open to participants from around the world. The goal is to develop a game using GameMaker with export to web/HTML5 within the event period. In addition to the experience of creating under a deadline and international networking with other teams, the jam distributes over €5,000 in prizes, offers the possibility of publishing agreements on CrazyGames, and premium licenses of GameMaker. For those looking to gain portfolio traction, it's an opportunity to launch a project, collect real feedback, and showcase technical maturity.

More than just competing, the jam is an environment for accelerated learning. In four days, the participant needs to find a clear core of fun, package a good first impression, and address essential browser performance. It's also a chance to practice English in a professional context — from documentation to project presentation — an increasingly important skill for those looking to grow in the global game market.

The path to submission is simple: registration is done on the official page; during the jam, the team develops the project in GameMaker prioritizing the web/HTML5 build; at the end of the deadline, the game is published through the indicated channels and the link is sent for evaluation according to the organization's instructions. By keeping scope under control and planning daily gameplay checkpoints, it's easier to reach the deadline with a stable version ready to receive players.

The rewards go beyond financial value. Exposure in the CrazyGames ecosystem puts the game in front of a significant audience and opens doors to publishing agreements with revenue share, when the project meets the technical and quality requirements of the platform. The premium licenses of GameMaker help accelerate the next stage of development, whether polishing the jam build for publication or prototyping a new concept.

Who is it ideal for? Students looking for their first public credit, solo developers seeking quick validation, small studios creating presentable prototypes, and professionals looking to exercise pipeline and remote collaboration. More experienced teams find a good laboratory in the jam to test retention loops, onboarding, and scalable mechanics for the web.

Behind the scenes, some decisions make a difference: a central loop that is explained in a few seconds; a short and contextual onboarding, with the option to skip; attention to texture size and audio compression to maintain FPS and loading time under control; and small touches of accessibility (volume control, contrast, visual feedback) that affect retention. Short and frequent playtests in the browser, over the four days, help correct frictions before delivery.

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When: September 18 to 21, 2025

Where: online, free, and globally open

Registrations: https://crazygames.indiehero.io/cggmwj-lp

Organization: Indie Hero and CTRL ALT

Partners: CrazyGames and GameMaker

Awards: over €5,000, publishing agreements, and premium licenses