+XP Sessions and Universidade Lusófona launch +XP Game Jam focused on diversity and representation in games

LISBON, SEPTEMBER 2026 — +XP Sessions, in partnership with Universidade Lusófona, will host the first +XP Game Jam in Lisbon from 18 to 20 September 2026, a
free initiative designed to bring more people into game creation and contribute to a more diverse, accessible and representative games industry.

The initiative responds to a challenge at the heart of +XP Sessions’ work: while the games industry encompasses a wide range of careers, skills and professional backgrounds, not everyone has equal access to opportunities to experiment, learn, meet industry professionals or see themselves as part of the sector. The +XP Game Jam aims to turn that possibility into practical experience, creating an environment where people from different backgrounds can make games together, explore new skills and build connections within the community.

Over three days, up to 30 participants with different levels of experience will form teams and develop a game project around a shared theme. The event is aimed both at people
already working professionally in the games industry and students, as well as people beginning or transitioning into their careers and participants trying game development for the first time. No programming knowledge or previous game jam experience is required. Making a game is a multidisciplinary process, and teams can draw on skills including programming, art, game design, narrative, audio, production, communications, research, UX and other disciplines relevant to game development.

The initiative will place particular emphasis on participation from groups that remain underrepresented within the games industry, to provide greater visibility and
opportunities for different identities, experiences and career paths from the outset. Participation remains open to anyone who aligns with the initiative's principles. “A talk can show us that a career is possible, but a game jam allows us to experience that possibility. For us, this felt like a natural next step: creating an opportunity where people can work together, test their skills and experience first-hand what it means to make a game. We want people who may still find themselves in the minority within their teams, courses or professional environments to have the opportunity to make games together. Whether they are taking their first steps, have always wanted to try but never had the opportunity, or have already been working in the industry for years.” — Carolina Rocha, +XP Sessions

Throughout the weekend, participants will also have opportunities to receive guidance and feedback from professionals working in the sector. This is intended to create an
environment where participants can experiment with ideas, learn from one another and build new professional and community connections.

The +XP Game Jam builds on +XP Sessions’ broader work towards a Portuguese games industry that is more visible, accessible and representative. Through talks, workshops,
mentoring, community gatherings and institutional partnerships, the initiative connects professionals, students, educational institutions and people interested in discovering the different paths into the games industry. +XP follows a principle of intentional representation: the initiative is inclusive and open to everyone, while actively working to increase visibility, professional references and opportunities for voices that have historically had less access and representation within the industry.

Event Information
Event: +XP Game Jam
Dates: 18–20 September 2026
Location: Universidade Lusófona — Centro Universitário Lisboa
Participation: Free
Registration: https://forms.gle/sdTR47iDnujQUpzTA
Registration deadline: 12 September 2026