What is the Epic MegaJam? 

Work alone or with a team (up to 5 members total) to make the most incredible project in Unreal Engine or Unreal Editor for Fortnite based on the given theme and submit it before the deadline!

Official Rules

Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Spanish (Latin America), and Turkish.

Project Requirements

• The game must include custom gameplay that exceeds the gameplay found in Epic Games’ starter templates.
• All art assets in the game must have a material other than "DefaultMaterial" applied to it. 
• Submissions must be packaged for Windows, MAC OS X, Android, or iOS (development build)—no full, unpackaged projects. VR and AR projects are accepted, though will recommend that you build and package for the above as there are no VR / AR criteria for the 2023 Epic MegaJam. Android games can be distributed via the Play Store as well.

How to submit

We'll be kicking this one off and announcing the theme during the livestream on both Twitch, Youtube, and LinkedIn on Thursday, September 14, at 2 PM ET, with the theme being announced at 3 PM ET. The jam ends on Thursday, September 21, at 11:59 PM ET. You will need the following information at the time of submission:

• Team name
• Each team member's name and email address associated with your Epic Games account
• Game name
• The name of your submission
  • Please format the name of your .zip file with your team's name attached, ex. TeamName_GameName
• List any content that was created before the jam that was included in the final submission
• Submissions must include a link to gameplay footage (between 30-60 seconds) demonstrating recorded gameplay
  • The footage will be included in our highlight reel on the 2023 Epic MegaJam results livestream

>> You need to upload your game to your Itch.io account page before you can submit it to the 2023 Epic MegaJam page.<<

NOTE: In order to submit your game to Itch.io, your .zip file must be UNDER 1GB. This won't affect most projects, but please be mindful of the size of your game once compressed. If your file is more than 1GB, you may utilize the Butler tool to upload your files to Itch.io. More info on that is here. Also, check out Blendo Itch Uploader, a GUI for uploading projects to Itch.io.

If you're looking for Unreal Editor for Fortnite 2023 Epic MegaJam submission information, please head to the Creator Blog for more information. (This will be live and updated here on August 30).

It is worth noting that while the 2023 Epic MegaJam is open to both UEFN and Unreal Engine-created submissions, a team can only submit to one, and each has a separate submission pipeline as defined in the submission criteria in the Official Rules seen below. If yours is a student team, this team should follow the pipeline defined by the tool used (UEFN or Unreal Engine). 

Any potentially winning entry can win up to one (1) category, which includes both the primary categories and the Modifier categories providing the criteria of said modifiers are met.

Judging

Qualified Submissions will be reviewed and scored (1-5 point scale) by a panel of qualified judges, according to the following criteria:

• Unique Use of Contest Theme
• Fun Factor
• Visuals
• Audio
• Gameplay
  

NOTE: Sourced (non-original) assets are allowed but will not be reviewed and scored.

• Example 1: A scene with environment art from the marketplace could get points for lighting and composition, but the pre-made assets wouldn't. 
• Example 2: A scene with sourced audio could get points for implementation (spatialization, real-time modulation, etc), but the sourced audio wouldn't.

GETTING STARTED   

Here are some resources that will help you get prepared for the 2023 Epic MegaJam!

Assembla will grant access to their platform to all #UnrealJam development teams to build their Unreal Engine game using Perforce, SVN and/or Git repositories. Teams can also use Assembla's built-in PM tools to coordinate their efforts during the Jam. As a secure cloud version control provider of Perforce, SVN, and Git in the cloud, Assembla is an essential partner to any developer. We are excited to help facilitate Assembla's ongoing work within the game development community. Read our "how to" guide here. Please also explore tutorials on using Assembla beforehand for maximum efficiency during the event. Sign-up is now available here!

Note: Repositories will be deleted 28 days after the jam concludes. Save your files locally to ensure they won't be lost! 

Get their special BOOM Library Game Pack for free and start with a handpicked selection of our great SFX packages, like MAGIC, SCI-FI, or MECHANIALS, perfectly coordinated for your game’s sound design. Just put their Game Pack into your shopping cart on our website. Once downloaded, you can use the sounds forever for any non-commercial and commercial productions. Please read their terms & conditions for legal notes. The link is available now!

WeLoveIndies gives free use of all sound and music from the WeLoveIndies catalogue for your Epic MegaJam project. Jammers can now create a free account to download their assets for the jam. Head to the WeLoveIndies Epic MegaJam landing page to get started.

Now anyone can animate for free, from anywhere

Built with love for our community, Rokoko Video unlocks motion capture for everyone, from creators just starting out to studio animators looking for a quick way to pre-vizualize ideas. For more Rokoko resources, check out their free character animation assets & resources page.

You can use the free app RealityScan on both iOS and Android to participate in the Edge of Reality modifier. If you are interested in creating assets with RealityCapture (desktop version) for the Edge of Reality modifier? Sign up for PPI credit redemption now.

Once you have received your redemption code, you must log in with your Epic account and redeem it here. If you're looking for tutorials on Capturing Reality tools, find them here. 

Sign up with a free account at GameTextures.com and take advantage of the free samples from the GameTextures.com team!

RamsterZ Animations provides some perfect examples of paired animations! Head on over to their website, check them out, and be sure to take a peak at the Double Trouble modifier!

Speed up your workflow using 3Dconnexion devices. Do not lag behind: adding 3Dconnexion devices into your 3D creation workflows in Unreal Engine will make it more intuitive, immersive, and productive. Learn more.

Quixel Megascans are free for all Unreal Engine users! Log in with your Epic Games account and get access to the entire library.

Quixel Mixer allows you to leverage hundreds of free premade Smart Materials that adapt to the shape of your 3D model. One tool for all your basic texturing needs, texture tile creation, or maps for 3D models, and is free for use with Unreal Engine. Log in with your Epic Games account and get access to the tool and the entire Mixer/Megascans library. Don't forget Quixel Bridge is built into Unreal Engine 5!

The Epic Developer Community platform is a fantastic place whether you’re just getting started or are experienced in development with Unreal Editor for Fortnite, Unreal Engine, or any other Epic Games tools and software. The EDC features hundreds of free tutorials on various topics from both Epic Games and the community. It is also the place for code snippets. If you have any questions or want to spin up conversations with fellow developers and creators, we have a bustling forum just for you! 

If you're looking for Unreal Engine Documentation, you can find this here.

Chat with other jammers and find team members over at the Forum announce thread, or head over to #challenges on Unreal Slackers, our community ran Discord.

The Unreal Directive is dedicated to providing Unreal Engine resources that are well-researched, easy to understand, and adhere to best development practices. Check out their resources here!

Award Categories and Prizes

The 2023 Epic MegaJam will feature 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Unreal Engine finalists, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) finalists, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place student (UE & UEFN) finalists, and NUMBER modifier categories. Each team member will receive the prize awards unless otherwise stated. 

1st Place Prizes - Unreal Engine (UE)

• One (1) AMD Radeon RX 7600 from AMD
• One (1) SpaceMouse Enterprise from 3Dconnexion
• One (1) One-Year Freelancer GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) One-Year Professional Membership to IGDA from IGDA
• One (1) Complete BOOM Ultimate Stereo Subscription from BOOM Library
• One (1) WeLoveIndies “Music Bundle H” for a project of any size from WeloveIndies
• One (1) Female Anims Starter, Female Lounge Singer, Ultimate Ninja Anims, Dodge and Evade Anims, Wrestler Finishers Volume 2, Death Anims, Leaning Anims, Goblin Anims, Greatsword Anims, Sword and Shield Anims, Creepy Animatronic Anims, Male Emotes, Creepy Clown, Witch Hag,  Waiter Anims, Demon Anims, Old Lady Anims, Package Deliveryman Anims, Couples Anim Pack, Brutal Finishers - Hand and Knife, Vendors and Customer Animations, Ultimate Traversal Anims, Robot Police, Simple Bump Reactions, Zombie Animations, Survival Animations, Simple Activations, Dialogue Anims, Ghost Creature Anims, Loot Anim Set, Small Boat Anim Set,  Chainsaw Attacks, Sleep Anim Pack, One Hand Sword Attacks And Finishers, Full Mount Attacks, GunFu Pistol Attacks, Vampire Boss Set, Werewolf Animation Set, Hostage Set, Melee Weapon Stealth Finishers, Tactical Hand Signals, Hand to hand non-lethal counters, Wrestler Finishers Volume 1, Hand to hand finishers Volume 2, Hand to hand set, Stealth Finishers - knife and hand, and Hand to hand finishers Volume 1 from RamsterZ
• One (1) Stylized Pirate Port City (Modular) from StylArts
• One (1) Future Slums Abandoned / Post-Apocalyptic District from Leartes Studios
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) $50 Marketplace/FAB Credits from Epic Games
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

2nd Place Prizes - Unreal Engine (UE)

• One (1) AMD Radeon RX 7600 from AMD
• One (1) Six-Month Freelancer GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) One-Year Professional Membership to IGDA from IGDA
• One (1) One-Year BOOM One Subscription from BOOM Library
• One (1) WeLoveIndies “Music Bundle H” for a project of any size from WeloveIndies
• One (1) Ultimate Ninja Anims, Female Anims Starter, Dodge and Evade Anims, Ultimate Traversal Anims, Vendors and Customer Animations, Survival Animations, Ghost Creature Anims, Dialogue Anims, Loot Anim Set, Simple Activations, Sleep Anim Pack, Couples Anim Pack, Small Boat Anim Set, Simple Bump Reactions, Waiter Anims, Demon Anims, Stealth Finishers - knife and hand, and One Hand Sword Attacks And Finishers from RamsterZ
• One (1) Stylized Ancient Temple from StylArts
• One (1) Victorian Decayed Alley Environment from Leartes Studios
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) $50 Marketplace/FAB Credits from Epic Games
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam  merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

3rd Place Prizes - Unreal Engine (UE)

• One (1) AMD Radeon RX 7600 from AMD
• One (1) Three-Month Freelancer GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) One-Year Professional Membership to IGDA from IGDA
• One (1) One-Year Complete BOOM Basics Subscription from BOOM Library
• One (1) WeLoveIndies “Music Bundle H” for a project of any size from WeloveIndies
• One (1) Ultimate Ninja Anims, Ultimate Traversal Anims, Zombie Animations, Survival Animations, Vendors and Customer Animations, Loot Anim Set, Dialogue Anims, and Ghost Creature Anims from RamsterZ
• One (1) Stylized Viking Hut from StylArts
• One (1) Cyberpunk / Futuristic Structures Set, Cyberpunk, Cyberpunk Pack ( 21 Assets ) from Leartes Studios
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) $50 Marketplace/FAB Credits from Epic Games
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam  merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

1st Place Prizes - Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN)

• One (1) AMD Radeon RX 7600 from AMD
• One (1) One-Year Freelancer GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) One-Year Professional Membership to IGDA from IGDA
• One (1) One-Year BOOM One Subscription from BOOM Library
• One (1) WeLoveIndies “Music Bundle E” for a project of any size from WeloveIndies
• One (1) Female Anims Starter, Female Lounge Singer, Ultimate Ninja Anims, Dodge and Evade Anims, Wrestler Finishers Volume 2, Death Anims, Leaning Anims, Goblin Anims, Greatsword Anims, Sword and Shield Anims, Creepy Animatronic Anims, Male Emotes, Creepy Clown, Witch Hag,  Waiter Anims, Demon Anims, Old Lady Anims, Package Deliveryman Anims, Couples Anim Pack, Brutal Finishers - Hand and Knife, Vendors and Customer Animations, Ultimate Traversal Anims, Robot Police, Simple Bump Reactions, Zombie Animations, Survival Animations, Simple Activations, Dialogue Anims, Ghost Creature Anims, Loot Anim Set, Small Boat Anim Set,  Chainsaw Attacks, Sleep Anim Pack, One Hand Sword Attacks And Finishers, Full Mount Attacks, GunFu Pistol Attacks, Vampire Boss Set, Werewolf Animation Set, Hostage Set, Melee Weapon Stealth Finishers, Tactical Hand Signals, Hand to hand non-lethal counters, Wrestler Finishers Volume 1, Hand to hand finishers Volume 2, Hand to hand set, Stealth Finishers - knife and hand, and Hand to hand finishers Volume 1 from RamsterZ
• One (1) Stylized Pirate Port City (Modular) from StylArts
• One (1) Future Slums Abandoned / Post-Apocalytpic District from Leartes Studios
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) $50 Marketplace/FAB Credits from Epic Games
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam merchandise) 
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

2nd Place Prizes - Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN)

• One (1) AMD Radeon RX 7600 from AMD
• One (1) Six-Month Freelancer GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) One-Year Professional Membership to IGDA from IGDA
• Two (2) Original BOOM Library SFX Packs of teams choice (no complete edition and no BOOM One) from BOOM Library
• One (1) WeLoveIndies “Music Bundle E” for a project of any size from WeLoveIndies
• One (1) Ultimate Ninja Anims, Female Anims Starter, Dodge and Evade Anims, Ultimate Traversal Anims, Vendors and Customer Animations, Survival Animations, Ghost Creature Anims, Dialogue Anims, Loot Anim Set, Simple Activations, Sleep Anim Pack, Couples Anim Pack, Small Boat Anim Set, Simple Bump Reactions, Waiter Anims, Demon Anims, Stealth Finishers - knife and hand, and One Hand Sword Attacks And Finishers from RamsterZ
• One (1) Stylized Ancient Temple from StylArts
• One (1) Victorian Decayed Alley Environment from Leartes Studios
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) $50 Marketplace/FAB Credits from Epic Games
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam  merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

3rd Place Prizes - Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN)

• One (1) AMD Radeon RX 7600 from AMD
• One (1) Three-Month Freelancer GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) One-Year Professional Membership to IGDA from IGDA
• Two (2) Original BOOM Library SFX Packs of teams choice (no complete edition and no BOOM One) from BOOM Library
• One (1) WeLoveIndies “Music Bundle E” for a project of any size from WeloveIndies
• One (1) Ultimate Ninja Anims, Ultimate Traversal Anims, Zombie Animations, Survival Animations, Vendors and Customer Animations, Loot Anim Set, Dialogue Anims, and Ghost Creature Anims from RamsterZ
• One (1) Stylized Viking Hut from StylArts
• One (1) Cyberpunk / Futuristic Structures Set, Cyberpunk, Cyberpunk Pack ( 21 Assets ) from Leartes Studios
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) $50 Marketplace/FAB Credits from Epic Games
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam  merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

1st Place Prizes - Student (UE & UEFN)

• One (1) AMD Radeon RX 7600 from AMD
• One (1) One-Year Hobbyist GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) One-Year Student Membership to IGDA from IGDA
• One (1) WeLoveIndies “Sound Bundle H” and “Music Bundle H” for a project size “S” from WeloveIndies
• One (1) Female Anims Starter, Female Lounge Singer, Ultimate Ninja Anims, Dodge and Evade Anims, Wrestler Finishers Volume 2, Death Anims, Leaning Anims, Goblin Anims, Greatsword Anims, Sword and Shield Anims, Creepy Animatronic Anims, Male Emotes, Creepy Clown, Witch Hag,  Waiter Anims, Demon Anims, Old Lady Anims, Package Deliveryman Anims, Couples Anim Pack, Brutal Finishers - Hand and Knife, Vendors and Customer Animations, Ultimate Traversal Anims, Robot Police, Simple Bump Reactions, Zombie Animations, Survival Animations, Simple Activations, Dialogue Anims, Ghost Creature Anims, Loot Anim Set, Small Boat Anim Set,  Chainsaw Attacks, Sleep Anim Pack, One Hand Sword Attacks And Finishers, Full Mount Attacks, GunFu Pistol Attacks, Vampire Boss Set, Werewolf Animation Set, Hostage Set, Melee Weapon Stealth Finishers, Tactical Hand Signals, Hand to hand non-lethal counters, Wrestler Finishers Volume 1, Hand to hand finishers Volume 2, Hand to hand set, Stealth Finishers - knife and hand, and Hand to hand finishers Volume 1 from RamsterZ
• One (1) Stylized Pirate Port City (Modular) from StylArts
• One (1) Future Slums Abandoned / Post-Apocalytpic District from Leartes Studios
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) $50 Marketplace/FAB Credits from Epic Games
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam  merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

2nd Place Prizes - Student (UE & UEFN)

• One (1) AMD Radeon RX 7600 from AMD
• One (1) Six-Month Hobbyist GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) One-Year Student Membership to IGDA from IGDA
• One (1) WeLoveIndies “Sound Bundle H” and “Music Bundle H” for a project size “S” from WeloveIndies
• One (1) Ultimate Ninja Anims, Female Anims Starter, Dodge and Evade Anims, Ultimate Traversal Anims, Vendors and Customer Animations, Survival Animations, Ghost Creature Anims, Dialogue Anims, Loot Anim Set, Simple Activations, Sleep Anim Pack, Couples Anim Pack, Small Boat Anim Set, Simple Bump Reactions, Waiter Anims, Demon Anims, Stealth Finishers - knife and hand, and One Hand Sword Attacks And Finishers from RamsterZ
• One (1) Stylized Ancient Temple from StylArts
• One (1) Victorian Decayed Alley Environment from Leartes Studios
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) $50 Marketplace/FAB Credits from Epic Games
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam  merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

3rd Place Prizes - Student (UE & UEFN)

• One (1) AMD Radeon RX 7600 from AMD
• One (1) Three-Month Hobbyist GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) One-Year Student Membership to IGDA from IGDA
• One (1) WeLoveIndies “Sound Bundle H” and “Music Bundle H” for a project size “S” from WeloveIndies
• One (1) Ultimate Ninja Anims, Ultimate Traversal Anims, Zombie Animations, Survival Animations, Vendors and Customer Animations, Loot Anim Set, Dialogue Anims, and Ghost Creature Anims from RamsterZ
• One (1) Stylized Viking Hut from StylArts
• One (1) Cyberpunk / Futuristic Structures Set, Cyberpunk, Cyberpunk Pack ( 21 Assets ) from Leartes Studios
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) $50 Marketplace/FAB Credits from Epic Games
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam  merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

MODIFIER CATEGORIES AND PRIZES

Each team (including, but not limited to, the finalists) can also win one of our thirteen modifier categories. A team may win more than one modifier IF there are no other eligible entries for the additional modifier.

ARMY OF ONE - 

For the best game developed by a solo developer

With 30 years of experience, Falcon Northwest builds high-performance PCs for gamers, game development, VR, & business use. They custom build systems for anyone that needs more than an off-the-shelf PC, including a wide variety of custom, builds for Epic Games’ own development. 

The winners of the Army of One will be rewarded with the following:

• One (1) 2023 Epic MegaJam custom-printed FragBox from Falcon Northwest
• One (1) $100 Marketplace/FAB Credits from Epic Games
• One (1) One-Year Hobbyist GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) Death Anims, Dialogue Anims, Loot Anim Set, Simple Activations, Sleep Anim Pack, and Simple Bump Reactions from RamsterZ
• One (1) Modular Stylized Village from StylArts
• One (1) Havana Street Environment from Leartes Studios
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam  merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

Edge of Reality -

For the game that makes the best use of scanned assets in their game using RealityScan.

The winners of the Edge of Reality will be rewarded with the following:

• One (1) 80,000  RealityCapture PPI credits
• One (1) One-Year Hobbyist GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) Death Anims, Dialogue Anims, Loot Anim Set, Simple Activations, Sleep Anim Pack, and Simple Bump Reactions from RamsterZ
• One (1) Stylized Desert Bazaar - UE5  from StylArts
• One (1) 1900s Office from Leartes Studios
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam  merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

Audio Experience- 

For the game with the best audio (music and sound).

Welcoming back WeLoveIndies- a handy and valuable online tool for all game developers to find, bundle, share and download everything you need to create a well-sounding game. Benefit from their unbeatable indie rates, their non-negotiable quality standards, and their experienced team that does nothing but create audio concepts, write music, and design sound – full of passion – the whole day long.

The winners of the Audio Experience will be rewarded with the following:

• One (1) Original BOOM Library SFX pack (no complete edition and no BOOM One), OR BOOM Library Plug-in of team choice from BOOM Library
• One 1) WeLoveIndies “Sound Bundle H” and “Music Bundle H” for a project of any size from WeloveIndies
• One (1) One-Year Hobbyist GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) Death Anims, Dialogue Anims, Loot Anim Set, Simple Activations, Sleep Anim Pack, and Simple Bump Reactions from RamsterZ
• One (1) Stylized Desert Bazaar - UE5  from StylArts
• One (1) 1900s Office from Leartes Studios
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

Make Us Go Wow! (Photoreal) -

For the game with the most stunning photoreal graphics

The winners of the Make Us Go WOW! (Photoreal) will be rewarded with the following:

• One (1) $100 ArtStation Prints Giftcard from ArtStation
• One (1) Stylized Azure Hillside from StylArts
• One (1) Stylized Mediterranean Courtyard from StylArts
• One (1) Death Anims, Dialogue Anims, Loot Anim Set, Simple Activations, Sleep Anim Pack, and Simple Bump Reactions from RamsterZ
• One (1) $50 Marketplace/FAB Credits from Epic Games
• One (1) One-Year Hobbyist GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

Make Us Go Wow! (Stylized) -

For the game with the most stunning stylized graphics

The winners of the Make Us Go WOW! (Stylized) will be rewarded with the following:

• One (1) $100 ArtStation Prints Giftcard from ArtStation
• One (1) $50 Marketplace/FAB Credits from Epic Games
• One (1) Death Anims, Dialogue Anims, Loot Anim Set, Simple Activations, Sleep Anim Pack, and Simple Bump Reactions from RamsterZ
• One (1) Post Apocalyptic NYC Environment Megapack from Leartes Studios
• One (1) One-Year Hobbyist GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam  merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

Use it or Lose It -

For the best game created using only a single, 4-channel texture map.

Texture your game using only a single, 4-channel texture map!

Think outside the box - How cleverly can you build materials for your project? Use a 4-channel TGA texture prepared however you like as the only texture input for all of the materials in your submission.

The winner of this modifier will have shown creativity, cleverness, and technical understanding of UE's material system and have either innovated or pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved with only a single texture input.

• The final texture map used must be submitted for review with the project, or it cannot be judged. 
• Migrate textures/dependencies with an example asset, using UE assets only, from the final project.

The winners of the Use It or Lose It will be rewarded with the following:

• One (1) One-Year Freelancer GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) Death Anims, Dialogue Anims, Loot Anim Set, Simple Activations, Sleep Anim Pack, and Simple Bump Reactions from RamsterZ
• One (1) Stylized Desert Bazaar - UE5  from StylArts
• One (1) 1900s Office from Leartes Studios
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) $50 Marketplace/FAB Credits from Epic Games
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

Character Animation (Puppeteer) -

For the game with the best character animations produced for the jam rigged using AccuRig from Reallusion. Find tutorials on AccuRig here. Get AccuRig here.

The winners of the Character Animation (Puppeteer) will be rewarded with the following:

• One (1) Character Creator 4 and AccuRig Pro lifetime license from Reallusion
• One (1) One-Year Hobbyist GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) Death Anims, Dialogue Anims, Loot Anim Set, Simple Activations, Sleep Anim Pack, and Simple Bump Reactions from RamsterZ
• One (1) Stylized Desert Bazaar - UE5  from StylArts
• One (1) 1900s Office from Leartes Studios
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam  merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

Make Your Move -

For the game with the best custom animations produced for the jam

The winners of the Make Your Move modifier will be rewarded with the following:

• One (1) Full Performance Capture Bundle for team member of team choice from Rokoko
• One (1) One-Year Hobbyist GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) Death Anims, Dialogue Anims, Loot Anim Set, Simple Activations, Sleep Anim Pack, and Simple Bump Reactions from RamsterZ
• One (1) Stylized Desert Bazaar - UE5  from StylArts
• One (1) 1900s Office from Leartes Studios
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

Double Trouble - 

For the best game that makes use of paired animations

The winners of the Double Trouble will be rewarded with the following:

• One (1) Wrestler Finishers Volume 2, Zombie Animations, Stealth Finishers - knife and hand, Ghost Creature Anims, One Hand Sword Attacks And Finishers, Brutal Finishers - Hand and Knife, Couples Anim Pack, GunFu Pistol Attacks, Hand to hand finishers Volume 2, Hand to hand finishers Volume 1, Hand to hand non-lethal counters, Melee Weapon Stealth Finishers, Full Mount Attacks, Hostage Set, Wrestler Finishers Volume 1, and Chainsaw Attacks from RamsterZ
• One (1) Stylized Desert Bazaar - UE5  from StylArts
• One (1) 1900s Office from Leartes Studios
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) One-Year Hobbyist GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam  merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

Left to Your Own Devices  -

For the UEFN game that makes the best use of devices within the game

The winners of the Left to Your Own Devices will be rewarded with the following:

• One (1) $50 Marketplace/FAB Credits from Epic Games
• One (1) One-Year Hobbyist GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) Death Anims, Dialogue Anims, Loot Anim Set, Simple Activations, Sleep Anim Pack, and Simple Bump Reactions from RamsterZ
• One (1) G2: Cyborg Characters from Quang Phan
• One (1) Stylized Desert Bazaar - UE5  from StylArts
• One (1) 1900s Office from Leartes Studios
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam  merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

Speed of Light -

For the best game accelerated with NVIDIA technologies.

Keep your game optimized, running at a minimum of 60 frames per second. Submission should be technically impressive and/or aesthetically pleasing, showing off high-end graphics and high detail, and should use at least one of the following technologies:  DLSS 3 (Super Resolution, Frame Generation, and NVIDIA Reflex), RTXDI (Ray Traced Direct Illumination), or Ray Traced Caustics. Bonus points for using multiple NVIDIA technologies like DLSS 3 with RTXDI.

• Leverage the DLSS 3 feature set using Super Resolution, Frame Generation, and NVIDIA Reflex.
  • Bonus points for following UI Guidelines in the DLSS 3 documentation included with the DLSS 3 plugin download.
• Take advantage of RTXDI for a high number of shadow-casting lights within your scene.

The winners of the Speed of Light will be rewarded with the following:

• One (1) One-Hour 1:1 engineer/advocate support session with an NVIDIA expert
  • Help to optimize their game with NVIDIA tech they’ve integrated
  • Help address issues and debug your game
• One (1) Promotion of your game through NVIDIA channels
  • Feature winner for 10-15 min on an upcoming Level Up with NVIDIA webinar episode
  • A text-based Q&A featurette
  • Exposure on NVIDIA community channels – forums, discord, etc.
• One (1) One-Year Hobbyist GameTextures Subscription from GameTextures.com
• One (1) Death Anims, Dialogue Anims, Loot Anim Set, Simple Activations, Sleep Anim Pack, and Simple Bump Reactions from RamsterZ
• One (1) Stylized Desert Bazaar - UE5  from StylArts
• One (1) 1900s Office from Leartes Studios
• One (1) Epic Games / 2023 Epic MegaJam  merchandise
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Unreal Engine blog
• One (1) featured highlight on the official Creator Portal
• One (1) feature in the form of the 2023 Epic MegaJam Sizzle Reel

Sponsors

With special thanks to the gracious sponsors of the 2023 Epic MegaJam; Falcon Northwest, Reallusion, GameTextures.com, ArtStation, BOOM Library, WeloveIndies, Assembla, 3Dconnexion, RamsterZ, NVIDIA, Rokoko, AMD, Leartes Studios, StylArts, Quang Phan, CapturingReality, and IGDA.

Plan on streaming your development? Want to show off your WIP? Share your progress with us in the Unreal Engine Showcase and use #UnrealJam on social.

Helpful Links for Jamming 

• The Unreal Engine Game Jam Toolkit
• The Epic Developer Community - Getting Started
• The Epic Developer Community Learning Library
• Unreal Engine 5 Documentation
• Packaging Projects - Unreal Engine Documentation
• Reduce Your Package Size
• Getting Started: Blueprint References
• Getting Started: C++ Gameplay Programming References
• Unreal Engine Community Wiki
• Blockout And Asset Production In Unreal Engine 5
• Optimizing The Medieval Game Environment

Sponsor Tutorials

• NVIDIA - NVIDIA Studio Youtube Channel, NVIDIA GeForce Youtube Channel
• SideFX - Tutorials
• GameTextures.com - Material Tutorials
• Assembla - Tutorials
• Reallusion -AccuRig Tutorials
• Rokoko - Start animating with Rokoko Video

YouTube Unreal Engine's Official YouTube Channel DevSquad's Youtube Channel Lusiogenic's Youtube Channel DevAddict's Youtube Channel Mathew Wadstein's YouTube Channel Peter L Newton's YouTube Channel TeslaDev's YouTube Channel Luos' YouTube Channel GameDevMan's Youtube Channel, William Faucher’s Youtube Channel

Tutorials and Guides Tutorials by Tom Looman Blueprint Guides by Romero