Global Game Jam names 2026 GGJ-gamescom dev Scholars
Nigeria's Michael Fagbemi of Maliyo Games is among the recipients
Global Game Jam has revealed the 2026 class of GGJ-gamescom dev Scholars, naming four developers who will attend gamescom dev and gamescom in Cologne this August.
The announcement comes following a scholarship in partnership with gamescom dev to support under-represented and under-estimated game developers. It covers attendance at Gamescom Dev, in person or online, from August 23rd to 25th.
Global Game Jam said it received a large number of applications this year, making the selection process especially competitive.
Nigerian representation
Among the scholars is Michael Fagbemi from Nigeria, a game developer with over seven years of experience in mobile development, scripting and project management.
Fagbemi served as lead engineer at Maliyo Games, where he worked on Disney Iwájú: Rising Chef, and has contributed to titles including Whot King, Safari City and Mama Atingi Shop. He is a veteran of more than 23 game jams and is active as a mentor within Africa's game development community.
The other scholars include Jennifer Klement from the Netherlands, a technical game designer who worked on Metro Awakening VR, Mark LaCroix from the US, who is the creator of the Noble Engine and co-host of Nice Games Club. Lastly we have Sofia Ashley Tee from the Philippines, she is currently art lead and co-founder of indie studio Many Bees.
Elsewhere, Nigeria will make its Gamescom debut with a national pavilion in Cologne, led by Maliyo Games founder and CEO Hugo Obi, bringing together Nigerian studios and ecosystem organisations to showcase the country's games industry.
