Practical Media


Ludum Dare on Hiatus: The World’s Leading Game Jam Pauses 2025 Events

Ludum Dare, one of the most famous game jams, has canceled its 2025 events due to personal challenges. Learn what this hiatus means for developers, discover alternative game jams, and find out how to stay connected with the LD community


What Happened to Ludum Dare in 2025?

Mike, a key organizer of Ludum Dare, announced that all planned 2025 events are canceled. Personal factors—including financial, health, and family challenges—led to this hiatus. While it’s a setback for the global game development community, Ludum Dare isn’t shutting down permanently. It’s simply taking a break until circumstances improve.

Is Ludum Dare Gone for Good?

Not at all. Mike clarified that this isn’t the end of Ludum Dare; he just needs time to sort out real-life responsibilities. The best way to stay informed about any future LD events is by following the Official Ludum Dare BlueSky Account and Mike’s Personal BlueSky Account.

What if I Want to Participate in a Game Jam This Year?

Although Ludum Dare is on pause, there are still plenty of other jams you can join. You can explore the vast range of ongoing and upcoming jams at Itch.io Jams. This platform caters to all genres and skill levels, making it a great place to find new challenges. If you prefer more intimate settings or solo projects, the SoloDevelopment Community Jams might be an ideal fit, especially for honing personal skills. Other popular events worth checking out include the GMTK Jam, known for its creative constraints and enthusiastic community, the Pirate Software Jam, which is quickly gaining traction among indie devs, and the Big Mode Jam, a rising favorite with unique themes and constraints.

Will the Ludum Dare Community Host Unofficial Events?

It’s possible. The LD community has historically been very active and resourceful. Fan-organized or community-driven mini-jams often appear on social media, gaming forums, or even the LD website/forums if they remain active. While these won’t be official Ludum Dare events, they tend to preserve the same spirit of rapid prototyping, creativity, and camaraderie.

How Can I Keep My Skills Sharp During the Hiatus?

You can practice regularly by working on small prototypes or joining shorter game jams found on Itch.io Jams. Engaging with developer groups, such as Discord servers or Reddit’s r/gamedev, will help you find feedback and potential collaborators. Contributing to open source projects, especially those involving engines like Godot or Unity, is another practical way to stay in shape. This hiatus can also be a good time to learn something new, whether that means experimenting with a fresh art style, mastering a different programming language, or exploring new tools and workflows.

Will Any of Ludum Dare’s Platforms or Archives Remain Online?

Yes. According to Mike’s statement, the existing Ludum Dare website and archives will remain accessible. While no new events or features will be introduced during 2025, past submissions and resources should stay available for developers who want to study or revisit completed projects.

How Can I Show My Support for Ludum Dare?

You can follow their social media channels to stay tuned for announcements, and engage with the community by sharing your past LD creations or ongoing game dev progress. When Ludum Dare does return, consider supporting it through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word to help sustain future events.

Final Thoughts

Although Ludum Dare’s 2025 pause might be disappointing, the wider game jam ecosystem remains vibrant. Platforms like Itch.io and events such as the GMTK Jam continue to offer a wealth of creative challenges for developers of all levels. By staying active in other jams, supporting fellow devs, and keeping an eye on Ludum Dare’s official channels, you’ll be ready to jump back in once it returns.