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First Global Game Jam in Mostar: 48 Hours of Game Development and Teamwork
For the first time, Mostar became part of the global network of Global Game Jam locations and hosted the world’s largest creative event dedicated to video game development. From January 31 to February 1, 2026, INTERA Technology Park was filled with energy, ideas, and the sound of typing as participants created video game prototypes from scratch during an intense 48-hour marathon.
The first edition of Global Game Jam in Mostar featured 10 teams composed of programmers, designers, artists, students, and enthusiasts. In addition to participants from Mostar, teams arrived from Tešanj, Bihać, Sarajevo, Fojnica, Posušje, Široki Brijeg, Čapljina, Konjic, and Visoko, while one team even came from Zadar, highlighting the regional character of the event.
From Idea to Game in Just 48 Hours
The first edition of Global Game Jam in Mostar featured 10 teams composed of programmers, designers, artists, students, and enthusiasts. In addition to participants from Mostar, teams arrived from Tešanj, Bihać, Sarajevo, Fojnica, Posušje, Široki Brijeg, Čapljina, Konjic, and Visoko, while one team even came from Zadar, highlighting the regional character of the event.
The Global Game Jam began with an official opening and the simultaneous announcement of the global theme, “MASK OFF”, which provided all participants with a creative framework for their game development. Throughout the weekend, teams worked on concept development, design, programming, testing, and presenting their projects, supported by mentors with diverse expertise.
Alongside game development, the program included workshops, playtests, a pub quiz, and team-building and social activities, contributing to a relaxed and collegial atmosphere. Despite fatigue and limited sleep, participants maintained an extremely positive and motivating energy, filled with mutual support, laughter, and enthusiasm. The Global Game Jam in Mostar once again demonstrated that game development is not only a technical process but also a strong team experience that combines creativity, technology, and community.
Final Presentations and Awards
At the end of the event, all teams presented their games to a professional jury composed of five members. Projects were evaluated based on innovation, technical execution, design, business potential, and presentation.
The winners were:
- 1st place: Team Tribal – Foreign Body
- 2nd place: Team Shipak Jammeri – Uncover
- 3rd place: Team Glitch – Employee 4
In addition to awards for the top three teams, special prizes were given for the winners of the pub quiz and the most creative participant on social media. All participants received certificates of participation as recognition for their effort, work, and creativity during this demanding 48-hour challenge.
Mostar on the Global GGJ Map
Global Game Jam Mostar took place simultaneously with over 800 locations worldwide, as part of an event that brought together nearly 38,000 participants across 94 countries this year. With this, Mostar officially joined the global map of the Global Game Jam community and confirmed its potential as a hub for the gaming industry and digital creativity.
Acknowledgements to Participants and Partners
INTERA Technology Park expresses sincere gratitude to all participants of the first Global Game Jam in Mostar, whose knowledge, energy, and creativity contributed to the successful realization of the event. Special thanks are extended to mentors and jury members for their expert advice, support, and the time they generously shared with participants throughout the weekend.
Global Game Jam Mostar 2026 was organized as part of the CBC GAIN project, co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro Program 2021–2027, implemented by INTERA Technology Park, SIMORA Development Agency, and ICT Cortex. Thanks to event partners and friends – Eronet, Katarina, Web Studio, ZK Office, Leda, Bljesak, and Foto klub Mostar – valuable prizes and a high level of organization were ensured.
By hosting the first Global Game Jam in Mostar, a solid foundation has been laid for the further development of the local and regional gaming community, as well as future activities aimed at connecting technology, creativity, and young talent.
