Photo credit: venturebeat.com
Thatgamecompany (TGC), renowned for its artistic creations like Journey and Sky: Children of the Light, has partnered with CoreBlazer, the global game investment arm of Hypergryph, to co-host a global game jam aimed at aspiring indie game developers.
This collaboration is designed to promote emotionally resonant gaming experiences and nurture a new generation of talent in the industry.
The event, named “Thatgamecompany x CoreBlazer Game Jam,” begins today (April 28) and spans three weeks. Developers of varying skill levels are encouraged to produce an interactive and evocative game inspired by TGC’s hallmark features: universal accessibility, emotional depth, and the capability to connect players across demographics. CoreBlazer’s commitment to fostering innovative game development aligns with this aim, emphasizing original concepts that break creative barriers.
Submissions will be evaluated by members from both Thatgamecompany and CoreBlazer. Finalists will undergo further scrutiny from an esteemed panel that includes Jenova Chen, co-founder and creative director of Thatgamecompany; Light Zhong, co-founder and creative director of Hypergryph; and Tracy Fullerton, director emeritus of the USC Games program, alongside other notable industry figures. This game jam presents participants with an invaluable opportunity to gain recognition from leading professionals, with awards and cash prizes available to winners.
Details on Thatgamecompany x CoreBlazer Game Jam:
Focus on Inclusive Gaming: Reflecting TGC’s philosophy that emotionally rich gameplay can resonate across diverse audiences, the jam aims to inspire the creation of four-quadrant games—experiences that can be appreciated by individuals of all ages.
Open Call for Developers: Creatives from all corners of the globe, ranging from novices to seasoned professionals, are invited to take part.
Recognition and Rewards: Projects that meet the criteria will compete for accolades in various categories. Notably, the grand prize for “Best Overall” will award $4,000, while other categories such as “Best Visual Design,” “Best Gameplay,” and the “Community’s Voice Award” each carry a reward of $2,000.
Simplified Submission Process: Interested participants can review the guidelines and submit their projects online for consideration.
Award Ceremony and Expo: Winners of the Thatgamecompany x CoreBlazer Game Jam will be unveiled on July 11, 2025. Additionally, the winners will have the opportunity to showcase their games at CoreBlazer Game Fest 2025, scheduled for July 26-27 in Shanghai, celebrating indie game creativity and innovation.
Known for its transformative approach to storytelling in interactive entertainment, TGC aims to reinforce its belief in games as a prominent artistic medium through this inaugural game jam. Their goal is to encourage meaningful narratives and grant developers the freedom to push their creative limits, regardless of genre.
Further information about the Thatgamecompany x CoreBlazer Game Jam is available here.
Thatgamecompany is dedicated to crafting accessible, artistic, and emotionally engaging experiences, boasting acclaimed titles like Flow, Flower, Journey, and Sky: Children of the Light. Its recognition includes an induction into the Smithsonian’s permanent collection and the Museum of Modern Art, aiming to broaden the emotional landscapes that video games can explore for audiences of all backgrounds.
CoreBlazer operates as the global investment brand of Hypergryph, striving to assist exceptional game developers through funding, creative support, and international events.
Hypergryph, known for titles such as Arknights and Ex Astris, is committed to building unique gaming worlds and is actively developing new projects like Arknights: Endfield and POPUCOM. The company also extends its intellectual properties into various media, including animation, comics, music, and merchandise, with a headquarters in Shanghai and a team of over 1,500 members.
Source
venturebeat.com