GAMESLASHEpic AI MegaJam Runs November 12–15, but Its FAQ Says AI Is Optional
By GameSlash
Epic's four-day Unreal Engine and UEFN jam offers $65,000 in cash prizes plus continuation grants. The official FAQ says AI use is not mandatory.
Epic announced its 2026 AI MegaJam on October 22. The official announcement invites individuals and teams of up to five to build a playable Unreal Engine or Unreal Editor for Fortnite project from November 12–15. AI coding agents and asset-generation tools are welcome, but the event's name is not a requirement to use them.
AI is encouraged, not compulsory
The organizer's itch.io FAQ explicitly answers its question about mandatory AI use with “No.” Developers can therefore distinguish the event's AI-focused positioning from its stated entry requirement. Each team chooses Unreal Engine or UEFN, rather than entering both.
Prizes and the deadline in Thailand
The organizer lists $65,000 in cash prizes, with separate continuation grants of up to $50,000 for standout projects. These are distinct awards, not a guaranteed payment to every entrant. The submission window starts November 12 at 12:00 Bangkok time and closes November 16 at 08:59 Bangkok time, corresponding to the organizer's US schedule.
What to prepare before building
The event page says entrants must be at least 18 and have an active Epic Games account, with full eligibility governed by the official rules. Tool setup can happen before the jam; game building starts November 12 and earlier material must be declared. Submissions need a playable build or fixed UEFN private version code and a 30–60-second gameplay video.
For a small team, the practical distinction is between preparing the toolchain now and starting the competition game later. Leave time for packaging and submission, and read the linked event page and full rules before committing to an entry.