Epic Games announces AI MegaJam with $65,000 in prizes
TL;DR
Epic Games says participants in its 2026 AI MegaJam can use any amount of AI tools to build games in Unreal Engine or UEFN. Total prize money is $65,000, with potential continuation grants up to $50,000.
Epic Games announced the 2026 Epic AI MegaJam, a competition where teams of up to five people can use any number of AI agents to build games. The event runs from November 12 to 15, following a theme reveal on November 11. Participants must use Unreal Engine or UEFN.
Epic Games says the use of AI is optional. The company clarified that an initial statement requiring AI use was a mistake.
Total cash prizes for the jam add up to $65,000. Epic Games will award $7,500 each to the winners of Best Overall in Unreal Engine, Best Overall in UEFN, and Best Student Project. Smaller awards are available for best visuals, best mobile game, and best dev log regarding AI tool use. Standout entries can also receive Development Continuation Grants of up to $50,000 to continue development after the jam ends.
Via Epic AI MegaJam ↗, X (@UnrealEngine) ↗, PC Gamer ↗ · Also from TechPowerUp ↗ · Other coverage: Shacknews ↗, Notebookcheck ↗
Spot a mistake? Tell usEarlier coverage
Quick read
Wonder Interactive released Strata, an AI developer tool that converts Unreal Engine projects into browser-playable links using WebAssembly and WebGPU.
Quick read
A fan is working on an unofficial, non-commercial Bully remake using Unreal Engine 5.8 and AI tools.
Quick read
Epic Games offers Wales Interactive co-op shooter Sker Ritual for free until October 29, 2026.
Quick read
Fortnite returns to the Australian App Store on October 22 following an Australia Federal Court ruling. The court found Apple violated competition law, and reports say iOS will open to third-party stores in Australia in March 2027.