Checkpoint Game Jam kicks off today, bringing together game developers from across Southeast Asia to design games that promote pro-social behaviour, digital resilience and safer, more inclusive online communities.
Game developers are invited to join the challenge and turn their ideas into games with a positive social impact.
Organized by UNICRI and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), in coordination with Global Game Jam, the initiative challenges developers to create gaming experiences that help players recognize and counter pathways to radicalization leading to violence before they take hold.
Through the power of gaming, participants are encouraged to challenge harmful narratives, promote critical thinking and explore creative approaches to preventing violent extremism (PVE).
From ideas to playable games
Checkpoint Game Jam unfolds in three phases, taking participants from initial concepts to playable game prototypes and an in-person final competition in Tokyo.
The challenge begins on 15–16 October 2026 with a two-day virtual ideation and design sprint. Participants will develop their game concepts and prepare a Game Concept Brief.
From 17 to 31 October 2026, developers will move into two weeks of game development, building and testing prototypes, refining their ideas and exploring creative ways to integrate PVE practices into gameplay. By the end of this phase, participants will submit a game prototype accompanied by a two-minute trailer.
The top 20 teams will advance to a two-month iteration phase, running from 15 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. During this period, they will receive mentorship and feedback to further develop their games and produce polished, playable prototypes.
Finalist teams will earn a trip to Tokyo to pitch their games at the in-person finals in February 2027, with additional award opportunities.
Who can participate?
Checkpoint Game Jam is open to game developers aged 18 and above from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. International teams are also eligible to participate, provided that at least half of their members come from these four countries. The initial phase is held virtually, allowing eligible developers to take part remotely.
Checkpoint Game Jam invites developers to use their creativity to help players make informed choices when they reach critical moments in their lives, contributing to safer and more inclusive online communities
PLAY TO PREVENT: JOIN THE CHALLENGE!
Register for Checkpoint Game Jam here
Explore the resources to support participants here.
