Ludum Dare

What it is

Ludum Dare is a long-running online game jam that started in 2002. Events happen on ldjam.com, with a theme chosen by community voting. Each event has two main formats:

• Compo: work alone, make all content (code, art, sound) during the 48 hours, and include source code.
• Jam: work alone or in a team for 72 hours. You may use third-party or previously made assets, but you opt out of the matching rating categories, such as graphics or audio.

After the event, participants play and rate each other's games in categories such as overall, fun, innovation, theme, graphics, audio and humour.

As of 2026-09 the site was preparing Ludum Dare 60. Check ldjam.com for dates and current rules.

Is it worth joining?

Yes. It is similar to the GMTK Game Jam in spirit but with a longer history, more detailed ratings and a strong culture of writing post-mortems. The Compo is a hard, rewarding test of making everything yourself; the Jam is a better first step for teams or people using asset packs.

How to prepare

• Know how to export a build from your engine, ideally for the web.
• Keep a small starter template ready.
• Read the rules before the event: the Compo is strict about creating all content during the event.
• Plan to rate other games: the more you rate, the more players see your entry.

Time

48 or 72 hours plus the rating period.

Free vs paid

Free. Ludum Dare is supported by donations and sponsors.

Common questions

Which engine? Any. Many entries use Unity, Godot and web frameworks.

Beginner friendly? Yes. Many people's first finished game is a Ludum Dare entry. Choose the Jam format and a tiny scope.

Where it fits in the Sefism roadmap

Ludum Dare is a practice pick in the engine stage and in the shipping stage. Aim to enter at least once after you have finished one or two clones. Write a short post-mortem on the site afterwards; reading other people's post-mortems from the same event is one of the fastest ways to learn what works in small games.