We’re thrilled to announce the Game Writing SIG ArcJam — our first narrative-focused game jam of the new SIG era, happening this November in partnership with Arcweave!
This 72-hour online event is organized specifically for working game writers, narrative designers, and game industry members passionate about interactive storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in game writing, the Game Writing SIG Arcjam offers a unique opportunity to flex your creative muscles, build your portfolio, and connect with our community during a challenging time in the industry.
Why We’re Doing This
Let’s be honest: these are difficult times for game writers. The industry has seen significant layoffs, projects canceled, and opportunities dry up. In moments like these, community matters more than ever.
The Game Writing SIG Arcjam is our answer to this moment. We’re creating a space where writers can:
- Build portfolio pieces that showcase their narrative design skills
- Experiment with new techniques in a supportive, low-pressure environment
- Connect with peers who understand the challenges we’re facing
- Have fun telling stories and playing with interactive narrative
Most importantly, we want to boost morale and remind everyone why we do this work in the first place — because interactive storytelling is powerful, meaningful, and worth fighting for.
About Arcweave
We’re partnering with Arcweave, a cutting-edge narrative design tool that makes it easy to create branching, interactive stories. All jam entries will be created using Arcweave’s platform, giving participants a chance to learn or deepen their skills with professional-grade narrative design software.
Arcweave has generously provided:
- Free Pro workspace access for all jam participants
- Priority support throughout the event via their Discord server
- Perpetual hosting for submitted projects
- Co-promotion for standout entries
Even if you’ve never used Arcweave before, don’t worry — the platform is intuitive to learn, with comprehensive tutorials and documentation to get you started. Plus, the Arcweave community is always ready to help.
Jam Details
When: November 21-24, 2025 (72 hours)
What: Create a story-driven game using Arcweave
Theme: To be revealed when the jam begins!
Who Can Participate: Those who join our Discord community! Work solo or form a team. Writers, narrative designers, artists, and developers are all welcome.
How to Join:
- Join the IGDA Game Writing SIG Discord and get your free IGDA membership
- Create a free Arcweave account
- Create an itch.io account and join our jam here
- Get your Pro workspace trial code from our Discord on November 21
What You’ll Walk Away With
At the end of the jam, you’ll have:
- A completed interactive story that you created in just 72 hours
- New skills in Arcweave and narrative design
- A portfolio piece hosted permanently on Arcweave and itch.io
- Community connections with other game writers
- Feedback from peers and judges on your work
- A chance to win prizes and recognition across SIG and Arcweave channels
Plus, the satisfaction of having created something new during a weekend focused entirely on the craft we love.
Important Guidelines
- All entries must be created in Arcweave and submitted via itch.io
- Games must be written in English (though additional languages are welcome)
- Original content only — no generative AI for narrative or assets
- Audiovisual assets are encouraged but optional
- The jam adheres to the IGDA Code of Conduct
Looking Ahead
This is just the first event we’re planning as part of the renewed SIG. We’ll be sharing more details about judges, prizes, and categories in the coming weeks. But today, we want to focus on the most important thing: the opportunity to create together.
Game writing can be an isolating profession, especially in difficult times. The Game Writing SIG Arcjam is a chance to remember that we’re not alone — that there’s a community of writers out there who understand the challenges, celebrate the victories, and believe in the power of interactive narrative.
So mark your calendars for November 21-24, and get ready to write.
Get Involved
Join our Discord server to stay updated on the jam, connect with other participants, and access all the resources you’ll need. We’ll be sharing more in the weeks leading up to the event.
Have questions? Want to volunteer as a mentor? Interested in donating prizes? Reach out to us in Discord or email info@game-writing.com.
Let’s make something great together.
Full jam details and submission guidelines are available on our itch.io page. The jam officially opens November 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM EST.