The Epic AI MegaJam 2026 is a four-day game jam from Epic Games that runs from November 12 to 15. Teams of up to 5 people can build a playable game in Unreal Engine or Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) with the help of unlimited AI agents. Winners share cash prizes, and standout entries can earn grants of up to $50,000. Epic announced the event on October 22, 2026.
Below, you will find the dates, prizes, categories, and registration details for the Epic AI MegaJam 2026.
Epic AI MegaJam 2026 Dates and Format
The Epic AI MegaJam 2026 starts on November 12 and runs through November 15. Each team can have up to 4 other humans and as many AI agents as it wants. The goal is to finish a playable game in Unreal Engine or UEFN.
Participants can use any AI tools in their workflow. That includes asset generation and coding agents. Epic says teams can use the jam to prototype a mechanic they never had time for or try a new art style.
The jam is open online from anywhere. Teams can also join with their local game dev community or attend in person in San Francisco.
A kickoff livestream takes place on November 11 at 11 AM PST (2 PM EST). It will stream on Twitch, YouTube, and X. Epic will reveal the theme, jam details, and special guests during the show.
During the jam, Epic will also host daily livestreams at 11 AM PST (2 PM EST). They will share tips, progress updates, and a look at what developers are building.
Epic AI MegaJam Prizes and Categories
Winners in every category receive cash from Epic Games. Each submission can win one main category and one modifier category. Prizes are subject to the Official Rules, and eligibility restrictions apply.
The three main categories share the same prize structure:
| Main Category | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall, Unreal Engine | $7,500 | $5,000 | $2,500 |
| Best Overall, UEFN | $7,500 | $5,000 | $2,500 |
| Best Student Project (Unreal Engine or UEFN) | $7,500 | $5,000 | $2,500 |
There are also 6 modifier categories:
- Best Team: best overall team, $5,000
- Solo Driver: best game built by a solo developer, $2,500
- Render Royalty: best overall visuals, photoreal or stylized, $2,500
- Pocket Powerhouse: best mobile game, with one Unreal Engine winner and one UEFN winner, $2,500 each
- Glass Box: best dev log showing how the game was built, $2,500
- Walkie-Talkie: best narrative-driven UEFN game with LLM-powered NPCs and characters built with Fortnite’s conversations feature, $2,500
Some of Epic’s AI partners will also give jammers credits to use with their tools. Epic has not shared more details yet.
Development Continuation Grants
Standout Unreal Engine and UEFN entries can earn development continuation grants of up to $50,000. The grants let teams keep building their game after the jam ends.
In-Person Event at Digital Jungle
Epic will host a two-day in-person event on November 14 and 15 at Digital Jungle in San Francisco. Teams from Anthropic, Google, Meshy, OpenAI, SpaceXSI, and other companies will build alongside attendees.
In-person registration opens on November 1 at 7 AM PST (10 AM EST). Spots are limited.
How to Register for the Epic AI MegaJam
Participants can register on the 2026 Epic AI MegaJam page on itch.io. Epic lists the full rules there as well.
Teams can find partners or ask questions on the Unreal Engine Forum and the UEFN Discord.
Epic advises teams to gather members, set up agentic coding tools, and learn Model Context Protocol (MCP) before kickoff.
