News

Gamescom 2026: What the world’s biggest gaming event tells us about the games industry

September 10, 2026• Events & Trade Shows, Insights, Strategic Advisory & Market Intelligence

Back from Cologne after another packed gamescom, we look back at gamescom 2026, the continued international growth of the event and a week spent meeting people from across the global games industry

 

Another gamescom is in the books. For Games Branding, Cologne has been part of the calendar for many years. But gamescom 2026 once again demonstrated just how international the games industry has become.

Across a very busy few days, we met game developers, publishers, gaming hardware companies, creators, media and industry partners from around the world, reconnecting with familiar faces while starting plenty of new conversations.

The scale of gamescom continues to grow. gamescom 2026 welcomed 368,000 visitors from 131 countries, including more than 36,000 trade visitors.
A record 1,743 companies from 66 countries exhibited at the show, with international companies accounting for 72% of exhibitors.

Those are enormous numbers. But walking the halls in Cologne, the more interesting story wasn’t simply how big gamescom has become. It was how global the business of games now is.

A global games industry under one roof
Few events bring together so many different parts of the international games
industry in one place.

Major publishers share the show floor with independent developers, emerging
studios, hardware and technology companies, creators, media and businesses
from markets across Europe, Asia, North America and beyond.

For a few days in Cologne, an industry normally spread across continents and
time zones suddenly feels remarkably close together.

And for an industry that spends much of the year communicating through
screens, gamescom remains an important reminder of the value of meeting
face-to-face.Sometimes a 20-minute conversation in Cologne can accomplish
more than months of emails.

A challenging industry, but not one standing still
It would be difficult to talk about the state of the games industry in 2026 without
acknowledging that the sector has been through a challenging period.

Budgets are under pressure, competition is intense and standing out in an
increasingly crowded global market remains a challenge for companies of
every size.

But Cologne didn’t feel like an industry retreating. Quite the opposite.

Throughout the week, the halls were filled with new games, new technology, new companies and people arriving from around the world to meet, reconnect and look towards what comes next.

The atmosphere reminded us that even during periods of change, this remains an extraordinarily creative and ambitious global industry.

 

The international side of gamescom
One of the things we have always enjoyed about gamescom is its international
character.

A single day can take you through conversations with people from completely
different parts of the world, different areas of the industry and companies at
very different stages of their journey.

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Zoud and Global Game Jam Launch Financial Literacy Game Jam with up to $140K in Prizes and Development Support

September 3, 2026• Events & Trade Shows, Insights

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Zoud, the United Arab Emirates’ National Financial Wellbeing & Sustainability Initiative, and Global Game Jam (GGJ) have announced the launch of Zoud GameLab, a new international game jam inviting developers and creators to build games centered around financial literacy.

Taking place virtually from 15 October to 15 November 2026, Zoud GameLab will bring together developers, designers, artists, writers and other creators from around the world to turn financial concepts and everyday money decisions into engaging gameplay. Ahead of the jam, a pre-jam learning programme will begin on 15 September, with resources and expert-led sessions to help participants explore the theme and develop their ideas.

Zoud GameLab brings together Zoud’s mandate to advance financial wellbeing with Global Game Jam’s expertise and global game development community, with the aim of creating new and creative ways to engage people with financial concepts through games. 

“At Zoud, we are always looking for new and creative ways to make financial wellbeing more accessible and engaging. Through Zoud GameLab, we are tapping into the creativity of game creators around the world to explore how financial concepts can be brought to life through play. We also hope to see strong participation from developers across the UAE and the region, bringing local perspectives to the games and ideas that emerge” said Natalia El Menhall, Program Director at Zoud. 

Global Game Jam welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with Zoud on the initiative.

“Game jams are the perfect vehicle to engage developers in tackling complex, real-world topics in creative ways,” said Maria Burns Ortiz, Executive Director of Global Game Jam. “Financial literacy is exactly the kind of challenge that can push jammers to think differently about both design and impact.”

A Global, Fully Virtual Jam

Zoud GameLab is open to participants worldwide, making it possible for game creators to take part regardless of location.

During the month-long jam, participants will be able to form teams, develop their concepts and submit their games. The jam is open to creators of all levels and backgrounds, including studios, whether they have experience developing educational games or are completely new to the topic of financial literacy.

Participants will be challenged to integrate financial literacy meaningfully into their games, with this forming part of the judging criteria. Those competing for the top awards will also be required to submit a project budget, putting their own financial planning skills into practice as part of the challenge.

Rewarding the Best Games

Zoud GameLab will recognise the strongest entries across a range of award categories, with funding and prizes awarded across the best overall game, runner-up and third place, alongside additional awards recognising games that effectively contribute to financial literacy, bring regional perspectives and deliver compelling gameplay. The jam will have a shared prize and funding pool of up to $140,000 USD.

Resources and Learning Opportunities

Participants will have access to a range of financial literacy and game development resources to help them explore the theme and strengthen their ideas. To support the meaningful integration of financial literacy into their games, participants will be encouraged to draw on the expertise and resources available throughout the programme. These will include:

  • Webinars and interactive workshops held ahead of and during the jam, featuring experts in financial literacy and serious game development
  • A dedicated guide to creating a financial literacy game
  • A curated collection of financial literacy resources, including different ways to explore financial concepts through games and examples of existing financial literacy games
  • Drop-in office hours and/or one-to-one sessions with subject matter experts throughout the jam

The pre-jam programme and initial resources will launch on 15 September 2026, giving participants an opportunity to learn more about the theme and start thinking about their game concepts before the jam begins.

Interested participants can visit zoud.ae/gamelab to register for the jam.

Key Dates

  • Open now: Sign up for Zoud GameLab updates at zoud.ae/gamelab
  • 1 September 2026: Zoud GameLab website goes live
  • 15 September 2026: Pre-jam programme and initial resources launch
  • 15 September – 14 October 2026: Webinars, additional resources and pre-jam support
  • 15 October 2026: Zoud GameLab begins and judging criteria are unveiled
  • 15 October – 15 November 2026: Zoud GameLab game jam
  • Mid-December 2026: Winners announced

Further information, resources and registration details will be available at zoud.ae/gamelab as they are released.

About Zoud

The National Financial Wellbeing and Sustainability Initiative, Zoud, is driven by a national vision to empower individuals and families with the knowledge, tools, and skills needed to build financial confidence and strengthen economic resilience across all segments of society.

Through an integrated ecosystem of educational programmes, community-driven solutions, and innovative digital tools, Zoud equips people to make informed and responsible financial decisions, contributing to a more stable and prosperous future for all. Learn more at zoud.ae.  

About Global Game Jam

Global Game Jam is a nonprofit organisation whose mission is to empower people around the world to learn, experiment and create together through the medium of games. In addition to organising the largest game jam in the world across over 800 sites worldwide, GGJ works year-round to support, promote and grow the global game development community. Founded in 2008, GGJ has served over 500,000 lifetime participants. Learn more at globalgamejam.org.

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Last Drop Is Out Now in Steam Early Access

August 19, 2026• Insights, Steam & Platform Support, Videogames

Helsinki, Finland, August 18, 2026: Some game ideas begin with a market opportunity. Others simply refuse to go away. For Henri, Founder and CEO of Lohkare Games Oy, Last Drop belongs firmly in the second category.

Henri first attempted to create the game back in 2009. The project was eventually put aside, but the idea never disappeared. More than a decade later, development restarted in 2020. Today, after years of work, Last Drop is officially available in Steam Early Access.

Set in 1994 Finland, Last Drop is a gritty open-world action adventure combining old-school 1v1 brawling, cinematic storytelling and everyday life in a world heavily inspired by real Finnish locations, memories and events. And some of its strangest moments aren’t as fictional as you might think.

Watch the Early Access Trailer: https://youtu.be/_h_vC4RUB7w

Players step into the boots of Seppo “Zeze” Sahtivaara, an aspiring writer trying to make his way through the fictional Finnish town of Nykylä and its surrounding areas.

Life isn’t especially glamorous. Money runs short, work needs to be found, pubs are tempting, cars are battered, friendships matter and disagreements can quickly turn physical.

Combat is deliberately old-school. There are no guns. Instead, fights are built around a skill-based 1v1 system inspired by classic fighting games, where timing, movement, character stats and skill determine the outcome. Zeze can even learn new fighting moves by watching over-the-top VHS action movies scattered throughout the world.

Outside the fights, life continues.

Players can buy and drive retro cars, ride bikes, take odd jobs, manage money and inventory, visit local pubs, heat up the lakeside sauna and keep an eye on Zeze’s Drunkenness level while exploring towns, forests, lakes and country roads.

The world follows its own rhythm, with changing weather, a full day and night cycle, and shops that open and close according to the in-game clock. But underneath the fighting, drinking, driving and dark humour is something much more personal.

Last Drop is built around the team’s memories of growing up in Finland during the 1980s and 1990s. Characters, conversations, locations and situations throughout the game are inspired in different ways by real stories and experiences. And according to Henri, reality was sometimes even stranger than the game.

“This game has been a dream of mine for many years. I first tried to make it back in 2009, but the project was buried for more than ten years before we restarted development in 2020. The idea never really left me.”

“We grew up in Finland in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and we wanted to bring back that time, the places, the atmosphere and the stories we remember, but build a strong action-driven story around it. When you’re playing, there will probably be moments where you think, ‘There’s no way this actually happened.’ The funny thing is that many of the real stories were even stranger.”

“Reaching Early Access is a huge milestone for us, but it’s also just the beginning. We want players to experience this world, tell us what they think and help us shape where Last Drop goes from here.” — Henri, Founder & CEO, Lohkare Games Oy

Music is another deeply personal part of the project. The main song, “Kesä” by Moottorikitara, was composed by one of Lohkare Games’ founders, with music and audio playing an important role in creating Last Drop’s distinctly Finnish atmosphere.

The Early Access release includes the first part of Zeze’s story, with Lohkare Games planning to expand the game with additional story content, features and improvements throughout development.

Play Last Drop now on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3275750/Last_Drop/

Key Features
 
A World Inspired by Real Life
Explore Nykylä and the surrounding towns, forests, lakes and countryside, inspired by real Finnish locations and memories of life in the 1990s.
 
Old-School 1v1 Combat
Master a fighting-game-inspired combat system where character stats, timing, movement and skill matter. There are no guns, and new fighting moves can be learned by watching VHS action movies.
 
Open-World Life
Drive retro cars, ride bikes, find work, earn money, visit pubs, heat up the sauna and experience everyday life beyond the main story.
 
Build Your Own Zeze
Develop Zeze’s Health, Strength, Agility and Stamina while managing his money, inventory and Drunkenness level.
 
A Living Finnish World
Travel between towns, forests and lakes while the world changes around you. Experience changing weather and a full day and night cycle, meet characters throughout the world and even try selling moonshine — just be careful who you trust.
 
A Cinematic Story
Experience a story of friendship, survival and flawed characters, told through movie-inspired cutscenes in a uniquely Finnish setting, with influences ranging from Tarantino to Kaurismäki.
 
About Lohkare Games Oy
Lohkare Games Oy is an independent Finnish game studio founded by Henri (CEO & Founder), Hannes (Programming) and Timo (Audio & Story).

Last Drop is a true passion project. The idea began with Henri in 2009 and, despite being put aside for more than a decade, never disappeared. Development restarted in 2020 with the determination to finally bring the world and story to life.

Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in animation, filmmaking, storytelling and commercial production for companies including Royal Caribbean, Toyota, Valmet and KONE, the team combines cinematic storytelling with authentic Finnish culture in its debut title.

Last Drop is a Tarantino-style story set in a Kaurismäki-inspired vision of 1990s Finland, where reality is often stranger than fiction.

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Global Game Jam and Lagos Games Week Partner to Launch Pan-African Game Jam Ahead of Lagos Games Week 2026

April 10, 2026• Events & Trade Shows, Insights

San Luis, Obispo, Calif., USA and Lagos, Nigeria — Global Game Jam (GGJ) and Lagos Games Week have announced a new partnership for Pan-African Jam 2026, a game jam being organized as part of the official leadup to Lagos Games Week.

The initiative is designed to bring together game developers from across Africa to collaborate, create, and showcase their work under a shared theme: “Play Without Borders.” The jam aims to nurture creativity, encourage cross-border collaboration, and highlight Africa’s growing presence in game development, while also building community and visibility for Lagos Games Week.

The game jam will run from April 24 to May 11, 2026, with winners announced on May 25, 2026 following a two-week judging period. 

The virtual event is open to participants from any country in Africa. The jam will have a $2,500 USD cash prize pool plus in-kind prizes. 

Award categories include:

  • Overall Winner

  • Best UEFN Game

  • Best Tabletop Game

  • Best Mobile Game

The jam will also recognize a top game from each participating jam country and a top Inter-African team for cross-border collaboration.

The jam will kick off on April 24 with a special livestream from the Lagos Games Week and GGJ teams. Additional virtual jam-specific programming will be announced in April. 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Jam coordination and submission will take place on itch.io and Global Game Jam’s Discord. Teams can be comprised of international team members, but 75% of participants must reside on the African continent. Solo devs are allowed. The jam is open to developers ages 18+. Registration will open in early April. Interested jammers can sign up to be notified when the jam goes live on the GGJ site: https://globalgamejam.org/pan-african-jam-2026

“Every year, we see the incredible talent and creativity of jammers across Africa during the annual Global Game Jam,” said Maria Burns Ortiz, Executive Director of Global Game Jam. “This collaboration with Lagos Games Week allows us to further support and amplify game development ecosystems across the continent, extending our impact far beyond a single weekend event.”  

Through this partnership, Global Game Jam and Lagos Games Week aim to create new opportunities for African developers to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the global games industry.

“Our partnership with Global Game Jam is about championing experimentation and building the habit of prototyping. We’re excited to see creators solve problems, iterate, and finish – essential steps for Africa’s next generation of game makers.” said Bukola Akingbade, Lagos Games Week

The Pan-African Jam forms part of the broader Lagos Games Week 2026 programme, which will take place on June 18–19, 2026 at the National Theatre in Lagos, Nigeria. The winning team will also be highlighted at Lagos Games Week and have an opportunity to showcase their games if attending the event.  

About Global Game Jam
Global Game Jam is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower people around the world to learn, experiment, and create together through the medium of games. In addition to organizing the largest game jam in the world, GGJ works year-round to support, promote, and grow the global game development community.

 

About Lagos Games Week
Now in its third year, Lagos Games Week is an annual trade fair for video games. Held in Lagos, Nigeria, the event continues its focus on supporting the growth of the African games ecosystem through talent development, local market activation, external development capacity, and the creation of original intellectual property. The 2026 edition will also feature participation from international publishers and studios including Focus Entertainment, Oceanview Group, and Ubisoft, alongside initiatives such as the Next Gen Summit led by Games for Change. https://lagosgamesweek.com/

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Three friends. One plan. No control. Inside Last Drop

March 31, 2026• Influencers & Creators, Insights, Steam & Platform Support

Helsinki, Finland – Finnish indie studio Lohkare Games has revealed new details about its upcoming video game Last Drop, offering a deeper look into its story, central characters, and the world they are about to disrupt.

Set in a small Finnish town in the 1990s, Last Drop follows three friends trying to leave their old lives behind and start fresh. What begins as a simple idea doesn’t stay simple for long, quickly unraveling into a chain of strange and unpredictable events shaped by their own decisions.

At its core, Last Drop is about flawed people making bad decisions and committing to them.

A New Life… or a Very Bad Idea

Seppo has just finished his book and hopes that, once the manuscript reaches the publisher, he can finally leave the grey apartment blocks behind and move to the countryside to focus on writing. That plan lasts right up until his friend Rahikainen gets out of prison.

The reunion quickly turns into a celebration, and the celebration turns into a proposal: the three of them should leave Finland, head to the United States, and start a “business.” Kuikka immediately believes in the idea. Seppo, having seen how Rahikainen’s plans usually end, has serious doubts, but goes along with it anyway.

From that point on, things move in a direction no one really controls anymore.

Characters That Drive the Story
The story of Last Drop is built around a cast of distinct personalities, each bringing their own motivations, flaws, and unpredictability into the unfolding events.

Main Characters

Seppo Armas “Zeze” Sahtivaara

Calm and friendly, doesn’t want any trouble. Usually follows Kuikka and Rahikainen where needed. He tries to be the one who points out when something seems wrong.

Rahikainen

His moral is blurry, if things go his way, it is fine. Mostly motivated by easy money, big engines, and beer.

Kuikka

Easily depressed or suddenly full of energy, usually with alcohol involved. Loses his money to gambling but believes everything is under control. Sees Rahikainen as brave and full of wisdom.

Sarila

Leader of his so-called gang. They love tuned cars and techno music. Sarila likes to make trouble, but won’t fight himself.

Hullu Markku

People in town say he is not just a bit strange, but truly crazy. Talks to himself with different voices. The flower shop and funeral home he runs also feel strange and spooky.

Recognizable Voices Behind the Characters

The characters are brought to life by a Finnish voice cast including award-winning actor Tommi Korpela, alongside Jukka Rasila, Ilkka Koivula, Riku Moilanen, and Mato Valtonen.

Their performances bring weight to the story, grounding its more chaotic moments in something authentic and human.

Explore Freely and Deal With the Consequences

As the story unfolds, players explore a hand-built open world without a minimap, discovering characters and events at their own pace. The experience focuses on slower-paced exploration, character interaction, and close-range combat, where situations escalate quickly and outcomes are rarely clean.

“The story is a mix of real happenings from the 1990s around us and stories people have told us,” says Henri Koskinen, creator of Last Drop.

“We wanted to create something that feels like an action movie from that era, but with a Finnish twist. It’s long and funny, but also has more dramatic and touching moments. We chose Finland and the year 1994 because, while it feels like a normal and even boring home to us, for others it might feel new and unique. That time had its own character, from cars with a style you don’t really see today to a world without GPS or mobile phones. Music from the era is also part of the game, which helps bring that atmosphere to life.”

A Raw Vision Built by a Small Team. Last Drop is a passion project from Lohkare Games, capturing everyday life in 1990s Finland through grounded storytelling and flawed characters.

The hand-built world draws from Jyväskylä and surrounding areas, with a raw tone inspired by Finnish films from the 1990s and early 2000s, rather than aiming for a highly polished experience.

Coming soon
Last Drop is planned to launch in Early Access on PC via Steam, with the release date to be announced. If this sounds like your kind of story, where plans go wrong and people make it worse, you can wishlist Last Drop now and follow its development as the world continues to grow.  If you’ve ever trusted the wrong friend, you’ll understand this game.
Wishlist on Steam 

About Lohkare Games Oy
Lohkare Games is an independent Finnish game studio founded by Timo (Audio & Story), Hannes (Programming), and Henri (CEO & Founder). The team brings nearly two decades of experience across animation, video production, sales, and client work with companies such as Royal Caribbean, Toyota, Valmet, and Kone. Last Drop is the studio’s debut title.

 

 

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Last Drop Expands Into a Vast 1990s Finland Open World Ahead of Early Access

January 14, 2026• Insights, Steam & Platform Support

Helsinki, Finland  – Lohkare Games Oy has revealed a major development milestone for Last Drop, its raw, darkly humorous open-world story game set in 1994 Finland. Nearly one year after the public demo release, the project has evolved dramatically in scale, ambition, and depth as the team prepares for its upcoming Early Access launch on Steam.

What began as a compact demo area of approximately 600 x 800 meters has now grown into a massive, cross-shaped open world measuring roughly 22 x 25 kilometers. Every location is inspired by real Finnish environments from the mid-1990s, from quiet suburbs and rural roads to lakes, small towns, and the city of Nykylä.

More than 100 kilometers of roads connect the world, shaped by Finland’s geography and dominated by water, forests, and long stretches of isolation. Seppo’s home suburb, Kuosilampi, features residential buildings that are fully explorable both inside and out, allowing players to experience environments with an unusually high level of authenticity and detail. The Nykylä city center alone spans around 500 x 1000 meters.

A Story About Survival, Not Power
Last Drop is not about becoming a hero. It is about surviving everyday life.

Inspired by real events and personal stories from 1990s Finland, the game focuses on ordinary people in difficult circumstances. Players drive, fight, drift between small-time jobs, hustle for money and form relationships with a cast of flawed, deeply human characters shaped by their time and place.  

This philosophy also defines how players navigate the world. There is no minimap. Instead, players rely on paper maps, memory, and observation, reinforcing immersion and recreating how people actually moved through the world in 1994. 

Community-Driven Growth
Since the demo launch, more than 6,000 players have explored Last Drop, providing extensive feedback that has actively shaped development. The game has also drawn strong attention from streamers, many of whom praised its authenticity, tone, and uncompromising portrayal of Finnish life in the 1990s.  

This momentum has resulted in more than 8,000 wishlists on Steam, with peak days exceeding 400 new additions.  

Major Development Progress
Development has accelerated across all key systems:

  • The full main story script is now complete
  • Over one hour of cutscenes and multiple hours of recorded dialogue
  • All dialogue recorded with professional voice actors (to be announced)
  • More than 100 unique NPC characters
  • Additional vehicles for players and city traffic
  • Swimming mechanics for navigating Finland’s lakes

The team has secured funding through the Early Access period and is now fully focused on the road to launch, with a release date announcement planned soon

Support the community for an upcoming wild experience
Last Drop is coming to PC via Steam.
Wishlist now, and prepare to return to Finland in the last millennium.

About Lohkare Games Oy

Lohkare Games Oy is an independent Finnish game studio founded by Timo (Audio & Story), Hannes (Programming), and Henri (CEO & Founder). With 19 years of experience in animation, video production, sales, and client project management, including work with companies such as Royal Caribbean, Toyota, Valmet, and Kone, the studio brings strong industry expertise into its first game project.

Last Drop is the studio’s debut title, delivering a Tarantino-style story set in a Kaurismäki-inspired vision of Finland.

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Global Game Jam® 2026 Announces Next Edition of the World’s Largest Game Creation Event

January 8, 2026• Events & Trade Shows, Insights

San Luis Obispo, California, USA –  Global Game Jam® (GGJ) announces the next edition of its annual jam, Global Game Jam 2026, the world’s largest collaborative game development event. The jam will take place from 26 January to 1 February 2026, bringing together game developers, students, educators, and creatives from around the world.

The Global Game Jam® (GGJ) is an annual, worldwide event where participants form small teams to create games over a short, intensive period, inspired by a shared global theme. Blending creativity, experimentation, and learning-by-doing, GGJ empowers people of all backgrounds and skill levels to explore game development in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Key Dates for Global Game Jam 2026

  • 19–23 January 2026 – GGJ Prep Week
  • 24–25 January 2026 – Global Theme Reveal Event (YouTube & Twitch)
  • 26 January 2026 – Global Game Jam begins worldwide
  • 1 February 2026 – Jam concludes

For full details, schedules, and updates, please visit the official Global Game Jam website.

A Truly Global Event at Unprecedented Scale

Global Game Jam is a worldwide phenomenon, hosted simultaneously across hundreds of local jam sites in dozens of countries. Each year, tens of thousands of participants come together to create, collaborate, and learn through play.

In 2026, GGJ will surpass a major milestone, reaching over 500,000 lifetime participants worldwide. In 2025, GGJ surpassed 100,000 total games created from the jam, highlighting the scale, creativity, and sustained global impact of the event.

Annually, the event attracts around 40,000 participants across 800 sites in 100 countries.

Purpose: Creativity, Collaboration, and Community

At its core, Global Game Jam exists to foster innovation, collaboration, and experimentation through game development. The event emphasizes learning-by-doing, rapid prototyping, and community building, encouraging participants to share ideas, skills, and perspectives across disciplines and cultures.

Who Should Participate

Global Game Jam is open to a broad and diverse audience, including:

  • Game developers and aspiring developers
  • Students and educators
  • Artists, designers, musicians, and writers
  • Technologists and creative professionals
  • First-time jammers with no prior game development experience

Educational, Cultural, and Professional Impact

Global Game Jam demonstrates a strong and measurable impact across education, culture, and industry. Through hands-on collaboration, participants acquire practical skills including teamwork, problem-solving, creative thinking, and rapid iteration, all of which are essential across creative and technology-driven sectors.

From a cultural standpoint, GGJ positions games as a meaningful creative and educational medium, supporting the expression of local identities, social issues, and experimental approaches. From a professional perspective, the jam frequently acts as an entry point into the games industry and adjacent creative fields, with numerous long-term projects and career paths originating from jam-based collaborations.

“The Global Game Jam is a celebration of creativity, innovation and community,” GGJ Executive Director Maria Burns Ortiz said. “As we head into 2026 and the 17th edition of the Global Game Jam, amid ongoing uncertainty not only in our industry but around the world, seeing tens of thousands of creators from over 100 countries come together to make games around a shared theme speaks to the power of games to connect us.”

How to Take Part

Whether you want to run a jam site, participate as a jammer, learn more about the Global Game Jam theme, or explore other important dates and deadlines, additional information is available in the Global Game Jam FAQ

Partners

Global Game Jam runs the annual event at no-cost to jam participants. GGJ 2026 is made possible by the financial support of industry partners. The 2026 Global Game Jam Headline Sponsors are Epic Games, Games for Change and Xsolla. 

About Global Game Jam
Global Game Jam is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower people around the world to learn, experiment, and create together through the medium of games. In addition to organizing the largest game jam in the world, GGJ works year-round to support, promote, and grow the global game development community.

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Mystery Case Files: House That Love Built Available Now on Big Fish Games

November 27, 2025• Insights, Steam & Platform Support

Seattle, WA  – The Master Detective returns. Mystery Case Files: House That Love Built Collector’s Edition is now available on Big Fish Games, bringing players back to one of the franchise’s most iconic storylines, the dark and lore-rich Ravenhearst Saga.
Watch the new launch trailer here:

Released as part of the 20th Anniversary of Mystery Case Files, the new chapter continues the New Timeline arc and sends players deep into the supernatural history of Ravenhearst Manor. When agency director Evelyn Ravenhearst delivers a dire warning, it becomes clear that Angelica Morgan’s spirit still lingers and she’s searching for something buried far below the manor.
Players will explore an expansive underground labyrinth, uncover new revelations about Charles Dalimar, and tackle atmospheric hidden-object scenes and intricate puzzle design, supported by Detectives Isabella Drake and Leo Harrison

Key Features

  • A major return to the Ravenhearst storyline
  • Signature hidden-object scenes and challenging puzzles
  • New lore, new timelines, and new mysteries to uncover
  • Exclusive Collector’s Edition bonus contentMystery Case Files: House That Love Built Collector’s Edition is now available on Big Fish Games. The game will also be available later on Steam

 

Stay tuned to the MCF Facebook Page, the MCF Official Website, the Big Fish Games Facebook Page, and the Big Fish Games Instagram for upcoming news and updates.

About Big Fish Games
BFG Entertainment owns and operates BigFishGames.com, a leading global platform for premium casual PC and mobile games. The company develops, publishes, and operates a diverse portfolio of PC and mobile games reaching millions of players worldwide.With a strong heritage in the casual gaming sector as both a developer and publishing partner, BFG Entertainment provides creative studios with the platform, resources, and expertise to bring innovative game concepts to a global audience.

 

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Mystery Case Files Returns on November 25 With a New Chapter in the Ravenhearst Saga

November 18, 2025• Insights, Steam & Platform Support

Seattle, WA  – Big Fish Games is proud to announce that Mystery Case Files: House That Love Built Collector’s Edition will be launching on November 25, marking the return of one of the most iconic hidden-object franchises.

This release also celebrates 20 Years of Mystery Case Files, honoring the legacy of a series that helped define the Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure genre. House That Love Built brings players back to one of MCF’s most beloved storyline: the chilling, lore-rich Ravenhearst Saga, continuing the New Timeline arc.

Players once again step into the coat and hat of the Master Detective in a high-stakes investigation that dives deep into the supernatural roots of the legendary Ravenhearst Manor. When agency director Evelyn Ravenhearst suddenly resurfaces with a dire warning, the Master Detective learns that Angelica Morgan’s spirit still lives, and she’s searching for something buried far below the manor.

The investigation leads deep into an expansive, trap-filled underground labyrinth, confronting forgotten secrets from Charles Dalimar’s past, eerie experiments, and the lingering consequences of the 1896 archives. With the help of Detectives Isabella Drake and Leo Harrison, players will uncover long-hidden truths, confront dangerous anomalies, and navigate a narrative filled with twists, deception, and iconic MCF puzzle design.

Interactive Teasers & Anniversary Rewards: The Scavenger Hunt Begins

Ahead of launch, players are invited to participate in a limited-time scavenger hunt celebrating the franchise’s legacy. Three short videos, each containing a hidden two-digit floating number, were released ahead of launch. When combined, these numbers form a single-use coupon code redeemable for a special Buy One, Get One for $1 offer on Big Fish Games.

The final teaser video is now live, meaning players can now combine all three hidden numbers to unlock the complete coupon code (one redemption per customer). The code can be redeemed through November 24 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Check out the final teaser here.

Key Features:

  • A major return to the Ravenhearst storyline
  • Atmospheric hidden-object scenes and intricate puzzle design
  • New lore, new timelines, and new revelations about Charles Dalimar
  • Exclusive Collector’s Edition bonuses
 
Mystery Case Files: House That Love Built Collector’s Edition will be released on Big Fish Games and Steam

Stay tuned to the MCF Facebook Page, the MCF Official Website, the Big Fish Games Facebook Page, and the Big Fish Games Instagram for upcoming news and updates.

About Big Fish Games
BFG Entertainment owns and operates BigFishGames.com, a leading global platform for premium casual PC and mobile games. The company develops, publishes, and operates a diverse portfolio of PC and mobile games reaching millions of players worldwide.With a strong heritage in the casual gaming sector as both a developer and publishing partner, BFG Entertainment provides creative studios with the platform, resources, and expertise to bring innovative game concepts to a global audience.

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MSI Unveils the Prestige 13 AI+ Ukiyo-e Edition Is Now Available

October 28, 2025• Community Management, Insights, PR & Media

MSI, a world-leading brand in gaming and high-performance laptops, proudly presents the Prestige 13 AI+ Ukiyo-e Edition, a limited-edition release that seamlessly merges traditional Japanese artistry with cutting-edge AI technology. With only 2,000 units worldwide, this collaboration redefines the laptop as both a creative tool and a statement of refined taste.

At its core, the Prestige 13 AI+ Ukiyo-e Edition is powered by up to the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 processor with NPU acceleration (up to 120 AI TOPS), delivering next-generation AI performance in a remarkably light 990g magnesium-aluminum body. The device features a 13.3-inch 2.8K OLED display, enterprise-grade security, and up to 24 hours of all-day productivity with fast charging—crafted for professionals who demand both mobility and uncompromising performance.

Exclusive Design
Beyond performance, this edition showcases craftsmanship rarely seen in modern technology. Partnering with Japan’s Okadaya, custodian of *Yamanaka lacquerware with over 400 years of heritage, MSI reinterprets Hokusai’s masterpiece The Great Wave off Kanagawa through *maki-e lacquer techniques with gold leaf powder. Each lid is meticulously hand-finished by artisans, ensuring that no two laptops are identical. Every unit also carries its own exclusive limited-edition number (XXXX/1300), underscoring its rarity. This marriage of heritage and innovation elevates the Prestige 13 AI+ Ukiyo-e Edition into a true collectible.

Completing the experience, each laptop is accompanied by an exclusive accessory set, including a co-branded mouse, mouse pad, and protective sleeve designed to match the aesthetic refinement of the edition. Every unit is also laser-engraved with a unique serial number (XXXX/1300) on the bottom of the chassis, reinforcing its rarity and collectible value.

The MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Ukiyo-e Edition is now available in Elkjop (NO)/ Elgiganten (SE) Gigantti (FI)


* Yamanaka lacquerware is a coating technique used on wooden cores crafted with a lathe.


*Maki-e” is a traditional Japanese lacquer decoration technique where gold or silver powder is sprinkled onto wet lacquer to create intricate, shimmering designs.

*Due to the handcrafted process and variations in working environments, individual differences in gloss and texture may occur. Final products are delivered as-is and such variations shall not be considered defects.

Specification: 

Model Name  Prestige 13 AI+ Ukiyo-e Edition
Processor  Up to Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 processor 288V
Operating System 

Windows 11 Home (MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business.)

Windows 11 Pro
Chipset Integrated SoC
Memory LPDDR5x-8533 Memory on Package,  32GB, dual channel
Display  13.3” 2.8K (2880 x 1800), 16:10, 100% DCI-P3 (Typical), VESA DisplayHDR™ True Black 500, OLED panel
Graphics Intel® Arc™ 140V GPU
Storage Slot 1 x NVMe M.2 SSD by PCIe Gen4 x4
Keyboard Single Backlit Keyboard (Gold) with Copilot Key
Security

Discrete Trusted Platform Module(dTPM) 2.0

Webcam Shutter

Kensington Lock

Microsoft Pluton Security Technology

Fingerprint Reader

IR Webcam 
Communication

Intel® Killer™ Wi-Fi 7 BE1750

Bluetooth v5.4
Audio

2 × 2W Speakers 

1× Audio combo jack 

DTS Audio Processing 

Spatial Array Microphone (3 Mic) 

Hi-Res Audio Ready
I/O Port

2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 (DisplayPort™ / Power Delivery 3.0)

1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A

1 x microSD Card Reader

1 x HDMI™ 2.1 (8K @ 60Hz / 4K @ 120Hz)

1 x Kensington Lock
Battery/Adapter

4-Cell, Li-Polymer, 75Whr, Support Fast Charging / 

65W Type-C PD
Webcam  IR 5MP type(30fps@1944p) with HDR & 3D Noise Reduction+ (3DNR+)
Dimension 299(W) x 210(D) x 16.9(H) mm
Weight  990g
Color Ukiyo-e Edition

About MSI
MSI is a world leader in AI PC, gaming, content creation, business & productivity, and AIoT solutions. Bolstered by its cutting-edge R&D capabilities and customer-driven innovation, MSI has a wide-ranging global presence spanning over 120 countries. Its comprehensive lineup of laptops, graphics cards, monitors, motherboards, desktops, peripherals, servers, IPCs, autonomous mobile robots, vehicle infotainment and telematics systems, and EV chargers is globally acclaimed. Committed to advancing user experiences through the finest product quality, intuitive user interface, and design aesthetics, MSI is a leading brand that shapes the future of technology. For more product information, please go to https://www.msi.com.

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