TUXEDO Game Jam: Fun, Games, Open Source and Great Prizes - TUXEDO Computers

In recent years, Linux has increasingly established itself as a serious gaming platform. So why not consistently develop games on Linux using free and open-source software? With the TUXEDO Game Jam, we want to explore exactly that – and together with you, discover the strengths and challenges of a fully open development environment.

At a game jam, developers and gaming enthusiasts come together to create game prototypes within a limited timeframe – usually over the course of a weekend. Starting from initial ideas, playable concepts emerge in a short time, which are then presented, tested, and further refined.

What makes the TUXEDO Game Jam special: we consistently rely on free and open-source software. Instead of proprietary tools like Unreal Engine, Maya, or Photoshop, participants use powerful open-source alternatives such as Godot, Blender, and Krita. Participants are free to choose their tools – as long as they are open source. Linux clearly serves as the primary target platform.

2026 – An important year for Linux gaming

The commitment of Valve to graphics drivers and compatibility with Windows games has significantly advanced Linux gaming in recent years. The Steam Deck in particular demonstrates the potential of the Linux ecosystem and reaches entirely new audiences.

We are convinced that 2026 can become another milestone for gaming on Linux – not least due to new hardware generations and continuous improvements in the software stack. TUXEDO Computers aims to actively help shape this development.

From the „Road to Game Jam“ to the finale

As part of the Road to Game Jam, developers and gaming enthusiasts explored tools, workflows, and ideas around open-source game development in several preparatory sessions. Now, at the final Game Jam, participants – and anyone who would like to join – come together to create game prototypes within a limited timeframe.

At the end, all projects are presented and evaluated by the participants themselves. While prizes provide additional motivation, the main focus lies on creativity, teamwork, and the joy of collaborative development. Turning ideas into reality, trying out other teams’ prototypes, and learning from one another – that’s what a game jam is all about.

Game Jam: Key facts

• When: May 8–10, 2026
• Where: TUXEDO Computers, Alter Postweg 101, 86159 Augsburg, Germany
• Who is it for: Anyone interested in developing a game with open-source tools in a short amount of time – whether beginner or professional
• Age restriction: 18+
• Participants: 32
• Teams: You can join solo or as part of a team. Whether you prefer working independently or collaborating creatively is entirely up to you.
• Requirements: Basic knowledge of an open-source game engine of your choice and the tools you plan to use. The Game Jam itself does not provide enough time to learn these from scratch.
• What to bring: Please bring your own notebook and mouse, as only a limited number of devices can be provided. Also: good mood, a free weekend, motivation – and optionally your own snacks.
• Catering: Pizza orders (at your own expense); drinks are provided free of charge
• Cost: free of charge
• Registration: Register now

Goal of the workshop

The goal of our Game Jam is to develop a creative and playable video game based on a given theme within the event duration (approx. 30 hours), using only open-source tools.

How does the Game Jam work?

Theme

The theme will be announced at the beginning so that all participants start under the same conditions.

Rules

The following rules apply:

• Time limit: The game must be developed within the weekend (approx. 30 hours), from Friday 4:00 PM to Sunday 3:00 PM
• The theme is revealed at the start of the jam
• Open source only: Only open-source software and assets under free licenses may be used
• No AI content: The use of AI-generated content (graphics, audio, code, etc.) is not allowed
• Assets: Freely available assets may be used, but the share of original creative work will influence the evaluation. We therefore recommend creating as many assets as possible yourself
• Teamwork: Solo and team projects are allowed. Teams may consist of up to six people. Prizes are distributed accordingly
• Upload & submission: Projects are uploaded independently. Each team or participant may optionally publish their game on itch.io
• Pre-made content: Please do not work on your game in advance. The theme will only be revealed at the start
• Deadline: Sunday, May 10, 3:00 PM

Evaluation

• After the deadline, all teams present their games in their current state, followed by participant voting
• Each participant has one vote
• Voting for your own team is not allowed
• Evaluation is anonymous via scoring sheets with multiple criteria. These are used to determine the winners. In case of a tie, three additional scores from the organizers are included
• The top three games receive prizes according to their ranking

Examples of open-source tools

You can use, among others, the following tools:

Game engines & development

• Godot Engine
• GDevelop (visual programming, no code required)
• Defold
• Bevy
• KaplayJS
• LittleJS
• KontraJS
• Tiled (2D level design / map editor)
• Ren’Py (for visual novels, Python-based)
• PyGame

2D graphics

• Krita
• GIMP
• Inkscape
• LibreSprite
• Synfig Studio

3D graphics

• Blender

Audio

• Audacity
• LMMS (Linux MultiMedia Studio)
• Ardour
• SuperCollider
• Strudel
• Sonic Pi

If a tool you would like to use is not listed, please check whether it is available under an open-source license – or feel free to contact us.

Prizes

Each member of the winning teams receives a prize.

1st place

• 1-day Gamescom ticket voucher per person
• €1,000 TUXEDO voucher for the entire team

2nd place

• €500 TUXEDO voucher for the entire team

3rd place

• €250 TUXEDO voucher for the entire team

Schedule

Friday, 16:00 – 23:30

• Welcome, theme announcement, and rules
• Team building
• Start of the Game Jam

Saturday, 08:00 – 23:30 Uhr

• Independent team work on projects

Sunday, 08:00 – 15:00, followed by evaluation and award ceremony

• Independent team work on projects
• 3:00 PM: Submission deadline
• Voting / evaluation
• Award ceremony

Questions?

There are several ways to get in touch:

• Social media: Instagram, LinkedIn, Mastodon
• Email: presse@tuxedocomputers.com