Global Game Jam and Zoud Launch Zoud GameLab With $140K Financial Literacy Prize Pool

Global Game Jam and Abu Dhabi-based organization Zoud have officially launched Zoud GameLab, an international virtual game jam challenging creators around the world to build games centered on financial literacy. Open to developers, designers, artists, writers, and studios of all experience levels, the event features a shared prize and funding pool of up to $140,000.

The virtual event is scheduled to run from October 15th to November 15th, 2026. Ahead of the jam, a pre-jam learning programme will begin on September 15th, offering participants financial literacy resources, expert sessions, and game development guidance. Competitors will also have access to webinars, workshops, a dedicated creation guide, and one-to-one sessions with subject matter experts throughout the duration of the event.

According to the organizers, meaningful integration of financial literacy into the gameplay will form a core part of the judging criteria. Participants competing for the top awards are also required to submit a project budget. The $140,000 prize and funding pool will support the best overall game, runner-up, and third-place winners, alongside specialized awards for financial literacy impact, regional perspectives, and overall gameplay.

Global Game Jam executive director Maria Burns Ortiz noted that game jams serve as an ideal vehicle to engage developers in tackling complex, real-world topics creatively. Meanwhile, Zoud program director Natalia El Menhall highlighted the goal of exploring how financial concepts can be brought to life through play, while encouraging strong participation from developers across the UAE and the broader region.

Registration is currently available through Zoud's GameLab website, with winners expected to be announced in mid-December 2026.