Thatgamecompany (TGC), the artistic game studio behind Journey and Sky: Children of the Light, has teamed up with CoreBlazer, the global game investment brand of Hypergryph, to co-host a global game jam for emerging indie game developers.
The company said the idea is to champion emotionally impactful games and a new generation of upcoming industry talent.
Dubbed “Thatgamecompany x CoreBlazer Game Jam,” the three-week event – kicking off today (April 28) – invites developers of all skill levels to create an interactive, evocative game inspired by TGC’s signature style: universally accessible, deeply emotional, and designed to connect players of all ages. In line with CoreBlazer’s values, the jam will highlight original games that push creative boundaries, reflecting its commitment to empowering creators and bringing bold ideas to life.
Submissions will be reviewed by team members from both Thatgamecompany and CoreBlazer. Finalist submissions will be evaluated by a panel of celebrated industry talent, including Thatgamecompany co-founder and creative director, Jenova Chen; Hypergryph co-founder and creative director Light Zhong; director emeritus of the USC Games program Tracy Fullerton, and other leading industry figures. The game jam will offer visibility with some of the most respected game industry luminaries, as well as feature numerous awards and cash prizes will be up for grabs.
Details on Thatgamecompany X CoreBlazer Game Jam:
- Celebrating Four-Quadrant Games: In line with TGC’s belief in the power of emotionally resonant and widely enjoyable game design, Thatgamecompany X CoreBlazer Game Jam aims to support the creation of four-quadrant games – interactive experiences that are equally enjoyed by all ages.
- Worldwide Invite for Participation: Aspiring developers from around the world of all levels – from game dev students to experienced creatives – are all encouraged to participate.
- Awards & Prizes: Qualifying projects will be recognized in multiple categories including “Best Overall,” for a grand prize of $4,000 and “Best Visual Design,” “Best Gameplay” and the “Community’s Voice Award,” each with a cash reward of $2,000 respectively.
- Easy Submission Process: Participants can read all guidelines and rules and conveniently submit their projects online at https://venturebeat.com/games/thatgamecompany-and-coreblazer-launch-game-jam-for-emerging-indie-devs/.
- Awards Showcase and Expo: Thatgamecompany X CoreBlazer Game Jam winners will be announced on July 11, 2025. Participants will also be invited to showcase their winning games at CoreBlazer Game Fest 2025 on July 26-27 in Shanghai, an indie game celebration focused on creativity, originality, and the developer behind them.
Known for transforming emotional storytelling into powerful interactive experiences, TGC is extending its belief in games as an elevated art form and this inaugural Thatgamecompany X CoreBlazerR Game Jam aims to inspire meaningful storytelling while spotlighting and encouraging developers to explore creativity without boundaries, no matter the genre.
More details on Thatgamecompany X CoreBlazer Game Jam can be found here.
Thatgamecompany is committed to developing broadly accessible, artistic, emotional and enriching experiences, including award-winning titles Flow, Flower, Journey and Sky: Children of the Light. Its accolades include an induction into the Smithsonian’s permanent collection, as well as the Museum of Modern Art. Its hope is to expand the range of emotional experiences possible in video games, so that it can be enjoyed and loved by people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.
CoreBlazer is the global video game investment brand of Hypergryph, operating as a cross-border initiative to support exceptional game developers through funding, incubation, creative and operational support, and international events.
Known for Arknights and Ex Astris, Hypergryph is a video game company dedicated to creating unique worlds for players worldwide. Hypergryph is currently developing Arknights: Endfield and POPUCOM to further achieve its creative vision. Beyond games, Hypergryph actively extends its IPs into animation, comics, music, live concerts, fan conventions, and merchandise. Hypergryph is headquartered in Shanghai, China, and has over 1,500 team members.
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