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Revision as of 06:41, 19 February 2026
[Reason: Please expand and proofread, in accordance with the Manual of Style, as updates from this event are posted.]
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Space Jam 2026, also known as Space Jam 3, is the third iteration of VRChat's Space Jam space-themed event, organized by the National Space Society (NSS) and partnered with JGC, starting on February 18, 2026. The event lasts until April 5, 2026.
Overview
On February 18, 2026, VRChat published the announcement[1] for the third iteration of Space Jam. The event is organized by the National Space Society[2] (NSS), and partnered with JGC Holdings[3]. Submissions for the Jam should additionally try to align with the National Space Society's 'philosophy'[4]. Submissions will be judged by the NSS and VRChat from April 6 to 19, 2026. Worlds will be highlighted from April 20, 2026 to May 18, 2026.
National Space Society philosophy
The National Space Society's vision is to experience survival, growth, prosperity, and curiosity for human life beyond Earth. Their principles include human rights, ethics, and pragmatic visions of said principles. Beliefs in individual rights, unrestricted access to space, free market economics, international cooperation, democratic values, as well as improvements to Earth's ecology and new environments, and government funding with high-risk research and development of space technology.
- NSS Mission & History at nss.org
- NSS Philosophy Statement (PDF) at nss.org
Jam and prizes
The contest for Space Jam 2026 focuses on world creation, and filmmaking.
Categories and judging criteria
Worlds
Similar to last year, the category for world creation is "Sustainable Space, Resilient Earth". Worlds submitted in this category must be uploaded after February 18, 2026.
Judging Criteria:
- Creativity and Originality: Present bold and original concepts that explore space exploration through historical context, future visions, or a fusion of both. We’re looking for ideas and interpretations that feel fresh, unexpected, and memorable.
- Technical Execution: Demonstrate strong technical quality through stable, well optimized experiences. Effective use of interactivity, performance, and advanced VR features will be highly valued.
- Theme Relevance: Clearly connect your project to the theme of space exploration, offering thoughtful or compelling interpretations of humanity’s future in space.
- Functionality and Community Engagement: Create experiences that people want to return to. Whether through social interaction, relaxation, storytelling, or gameplay, focus on meaningful engagement and a strong user experience.
- Optional Bonus: Projects that support PC, Android and iOS will receive bonus points. Think of this as a tie breaker. However, the PC version will remain the primary focus during judging.
Films
Films for Space Jam are judged similarly to Film Jam 2025:
Requirements:
- Film must be made specifically for this Jam.
- Film must be between 1-10 minutes long, credits included.
- Film must have EN subtitles baked into the film.
- Film must be PG-13 content rating.
- No generative artificial intelligence can be used at any point.
- No gen-AI films will be accepted.
Additional Requirements:
- Exported at 1920 x 1080, H.264 mp4. (Bit-rate recommended: 6000 kb/s)
- Must be uploaded to YouTube (public or unlisted)
- Credits for the film can be in the film itself OR YouTube video description.
- Must be HORIZONTAL! No vertical videos / shorts.
- Narrative films and documentaries are okay!
- You must observe the TOS of the avatars.
- You cannot use avatars from other IPs without expressed permission.
- You must have the rights to use any music in your film.
- If we believe your film violates copyright or IP infringement in some way, it will not be considered.
- You must submit the final version of the film.
- Do not use your video to advertise a product.
- Avatars that appear in the video should be clothed appropriately.
- Do not use harsh video or audio.
- Avoid using lots of text or small text.
- The submitted film will be the final version of the film used in the Jam. No updates/director’s cuts will be accepted.
Films that fail to apply any of these requirements WILL be rejected.
Judgement criteria:
- Story & Concept
- (Originality, narrative structure, theme, emotional impact, clarity of message.)
- Direction & Execution
- (Overall vision, shot composition, pacing, tone, performances, and how well all parts come together.)
- Technical Craft
- (Cinematography, editing, sound design, music, visual effects, animation, lighting.)
- Art & Style
- (Visual creativity, World choices, Avatar Choices, color grading, and artistic choices.)
- Philosophy Theme
- (How well was the theme interpreted?)
Prizes
Worlds
WORLDS
First Place
- $5,000 AUD
- Virtual Trophy
- Space Jam 3 Badge (up to 6 per team)
- Will be a judge in next year’s Space Jam
- Showcased in a real life art exhibition in Australia
Second Place:
- $3,000 AUD
- Space Jam 3 Badge (up to 6 per team)
- Showcased in a real life art exhibition in Australia
Third Place:
- $2,000 AUD
- Space Jam 3 Badge (up to 6 per team)
- Showcased in a real life art exhibition in Australia
Five Honorable Mentions
- Space Jam 3 Badge (up to 6 per team)
- Showcased in a real life art exhibition in Australia
ALL Space Jam 3 submissions this year will be featured in the same world row.
Films
FILMS
First Place:
- $3000 AUD
- Space Jam 3 badge (up to 12 per team)
- Featured in a special YouTube playlist on the @VRChat YouTube channel
- Showcased in a real life art exhibition in Australia
Second Place:
- $2000 AUD
- Space Jam 3 badge (up to 12 per team)
- Featured in a special YouTube play@VRChatist o@VRChatVRChat the @VRChat YouTube channel
- Showcased in a real life art exhibition in Australia
Third Place:
- $1000 AUD
- Space Jam 3 badge (up to 12 per team)
- Featured in a special YouTub@VRChat play@VRChatVRChatist on the @VRChat YouTube channel
- Showcased in a real life art exhibition in Australia
Ten Honorable Mentions:
- Featured in a special @VRChatouTub@VRChatVRChat playlist on the @VRChat YouTube channel
Official resources
- Space Jam 3 is Here! Feb 18 - Apr 5 2026 on ask.vrchat.com
- National Space Society at nss.org
- JGC Holdings at jgc.com
See also
References
- ↑ "Space Jam 3 is Here! Feb 18 - Apr 5 2026" on ask.vrchat.com. Dated February 18, 2026. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
- ↑ "National Space Society" - Official Front page at https://nss.org. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
- ↑ "JGC Holdings" - Official front page at https://jgc.com. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
- ↑ "NSS Statement of Philosophy" at https://nss.org. Published May 27, 2007. Retrieved February 18, 2026.