Foenix Retro Systems has officially announced the Foenix Game Jam, a community event inviting developers to create their best-looking and most polished playable games for any Foenix platform. This year’s event, running from October 15 through December 14, 2025, offers developers a full two months to craft, test, and refine their entries.
With fifteen participants already registered, the excitement is building. Whether you’re a solo coder or part of a small team, the Foenix Game Jam provides a chance to showcase creativity, technical skill, and passion for these modern retro systems.
Theme and Rules
The theme for this year’s event is “Polished”. That means every submitted project must be a finished, working product complete with functional graphics and sound. Demos and mockups are out—this competition is all about quality and playability.
Participants can either build something brand new or port a classic title, as long as it runs smoothly on Foenix hardware. Entries can be submitted for any of the supported systems, including the F256K2, F256Jr, A2560M, and FA256K2X models. Note – CX16, MEGA65, and C64 conversions are not eligible.
Teams are welcome, but must register their members before the event starts. All projects must be submitted through itch.io, with registration links to be shared soon by @dwsJason on the Foenix Discord server.
Prizes and Recognition
This year’s rewards are as exciting as the challenge itself. The first-place winner will receive a White F256K2 with MIDI and a purple key or an A2560M, both high-end Foenix systems coveted by developers and collectors alike.
Second place will take home an F256Jr2, while third place earns a choice between an F256Jr HAT or FNX-KBD79-O keyboard. Teams will need to decide among themselves how to divide the winnings.
Judging and Community Spirit
Judging criteria will be defined closer to the submission deadline, with potential guest judges drawn from within the Foenix community. The emphasis will likely be on polish, stability, creativity, and how well the entry embraces the chosen theme.
But beyond competition, the Foenix Game Jam is about collaboration and shared enthusiasm. Participants are encouraged to post progress updates and screenshots throughout development. Sharing milestones keeps the community motivated and sparks inspiration for others working on their own projects.
How to Get Involved
If you own a Foenix computer—or have always wanted an excuse to develop for one—this is your opportunity. Register before October 15 and start brainstorming ideas now. Whether you’re aiming for a compact, playable title or something ambitious, remember that a smaller, finished game often impresses more than an incomplete masterpiece.
Join the conversation and follow the latest updates in the Game Jam channel on the Foenix Retro Systems Discord.
The Foenix Game Jam promises to close out 2025 with a celebration of creativity, coding, and retro innovation. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.
