We’re thrilled to announce the Game Writing SIG ArcJam will be returning this November in partnership with Arcweave!
As past participants may recall, 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
Finally, we’re putting this on again because, frankly, it’s what you all wanted. We were absolutely blown away by the engagement we received last year. Well over a hundred games were submitted, and we’d love to push that number even higher this time around.
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 20-23, 2026 (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 20
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
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 20-23, 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 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST.