The Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University (AYBÜ) Software Engineering Club (ASEC) successfully completed GameJam 2026, the second edition of the event. Supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports through the UNİDES program, the event brought together 120 participants from various universities in Ankara, who formed 35 teams and transformed their creative game ideas into prototypes. Featuring conferences, a GameJam marathon, and e-sports tournaments, the event introduced students to the technical, creative, and entrepreneurial dimensions of the gaming industry.

Industry Leaders Took the Stage

The morning session began with a series of comprehensive talks about the gaming industry. ASEC Advisor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yenal Arslan opened the event from an academic perspective, sharing insights into the size of the global gaming industry, market trends, and future opportunities. His presentation included concrete statistics on Türkiye’s position in the gaming ecosystem, platform distributions across mobile, PC, and console gaming, and the sector’s growth potential.

Eyüp Karataş from OTTO Games discussed the overall structure of the Turkish gaming industry and the career opportunities it offers. He provided detailed information about game programming, game design, and production roles, while also sharing practical advice on entering the industry.

Ali Baran Korkmaz from Western Software P. addressed the question, “How does entrepreneurship begin?” from the perspective of a software entrepreneur. Drawing on his own start-up experience, he explained company formation processes, the advantages of technoparks, and public support programs available to students. Muhammed Berk Ünsal from TaleWorlds Entertainment also made valuable contributions as both an industry representative and a jury member.

GameJam Marathon: Ideas Turned into Games

The afternoon GameJam marathon formed the core of the event. Following the announcement of the theme, 35 teams developed creative game prototypes from scratch within the allotted time. Industry mentors provided technical and design guidance throughout the process.

At the end of the event, each team had the opportunity to present its game prototype to the jury. Students not only developed games but also improved their presentation skills and received direct feedback from industry professionals.

E-Sports Excitement: Clash Royale & FIFA Tournaments

Alongside the GameJam, two exciting e-sports tournaments brought participants together throughout the event. In the Clash Royale and FIFA tournaments, students enjoyed competitive matches while strengthening their connection to the gaming world. The tournaments played an important role in enhancing the social interaction aspect of the event.

Outcomes and Overall Evaluation

ASEC GameJam 2026 provided participants with tangible benefits in the following areas:

• Practical experience in game development and digital production
• The creation of concrete game prototypes by 35 teams
• Direct interaction and networking opportunities with industry professionals
• Improved teamwork, time management, and prototyping skills
• Greater awareness of entrepreneurship, start-up formation, and career planning
• A practical example of university–industry–government collaboration in action

The ASEC Club President commented on the event:

“The second GameJam we have organized once again demonstrated the strength of Ankara’s gaming and software community. The increase in participant numbers, the expansion of sponsor support, and the quality of the game prototypes developed make us even more optimistic about the future.”

Supporting Organizations and Sponsors

We would like to thank all organizations and individuals who contributed to our event as speakers, jury members, and sponsors:

• Mustafa Eyyup Karataş — OTTO Games (Speaker & Jury Member)
• Muhammed Berk Ünsal — TaleWorlds Entertainment (Speaker & Jury Member)
• Ali Baran Korkmaz — Western Software P. (Speaker)
• Solus Bilişim Teknoloji
• Bilişim Küpü Bilgisayar San. Tic. A.Ş.
• CSIT Bilişim A.Ş.
• Sigmacert Global
• Beypazarı Natural Mineral Water
• Max Fly Energy Drinks
• Agarta Herbal Cosmetics
• HALITLAR Health and Food Products
• Feel Games
• Karataş Aspava