How to find your first game jam team

Choose a jam and a goal

Before recruiting, check the jam dates, submission deadline, rules, and team size limits. Decide whether you want to learn a new skill, finish a portfolio project, meet people, or compete. Tell potential teammates which goal matters most to you so they can decide whether it fits their plans.

Describe what you can contribute

Share your main role, the engine or tools you know, and a small example of your work if you have one. Beginners can describe a practice project or what they are comfortable trying. Be specific about how much time you can commit instead of promising to be available all weekend.

Look for complementary skills

If you program, look for someone who can help with art, design, or audio. If you make art, look for a collaborator who can build a playable version of your idea. Several roles can belong to one person. Start with a small team and a small game rather than recruiting more people than you have clear tasks for.

Agree on availability before joining

Compare timezones, hours of overlap, and other commitments. Choose a place to communicate and agree on when to check in. Ask how decisions will be made, who will assemble builds, and who will submit the game. If you cannot work at the same time, plan handoffs so nobody is waiting for an unfinished asset or feature.

Plan something you can finish

Pick one core mechanic and get it playable early. Divide the first tasks clearly, then leave time to test, fix bugs, and prepare the submission. Discuss credits and the jam's rules for existing assets before using them. Keep a smaller fallback version of the game in mind so the team can still submit if time runs short.

Find collaborators on Megajam

Create your profile, then browse jams, people, and recruiting teams after signing in. Use roles, engine preferences, and timezone filters to narrow your search. When you apply or invite someone, explain the jam, your goal, the role you need, and your availability.