OVERVIEW
Duration: May 27th until August 25th
Theme: WHAT IS REALITY?
Medium: HPL engine modding
Submission link: here
Prize: One ROG Xbox Ally from our friends at ASUS ROG
Info
Things stop lining up. Systems behave, but not quite the way you expect. You start to question whether what you’re looking at is actually there, or just convincing enough.
We’re announcing the “Frictional Mod Jam 2026: WHAT IS REALITY?”
This year’s theme is about digging into perception and uncertainty. Inspired by SOMA and the Dark World from Amnesia. We’re craving experiences that play with what’s real, what isn’t, and how sometimes you can’t tell the difference. This can mean a lot of things – subtle inconsistencies, shifting rules, unreliable worlds, or something more psychedelic and abstract.
There’s no strict interpretation. The idea is to explore worlds and storytelling that make the player pause and reconsider WTF is going on. Can be gritty sci-fi, bunkers, or fantasy. Get weird with it.
The jam will run over the summer and is focused on HPL modding. You can join in solo or in a small team (up to 4 people). If you’re looking for feedback or just want to talk things through, the Discord server is open.
Duration
The jam will start on May 27th and run until August 25th
You have until midnight on the 25th to submit your work and the winners will be checked and throughout the remainder of the month.
Medium
This Frictional Fan Jam is specifically for HPL modding. You are free to use HPL2 and HPL3, or even HPL1 if you’re brave enough.
Aside from the game assets, you are also welcome to utilize other assets you can legally use, or have permission to use from the creators.
Submitting your work
Upload your mod on a platform like ModDB or Steam Workshop.
For entering the event, please submit a link to your work through the following form:
Frictional Mod Jam 2026: WHAT IS REALITY event submissions
If you worked as a team, have one team member submit the entry.
All works will be showcased on the #2026_Mod_Jam_showcase on Discord.
Note: You are more than welcome to partake in the jam without competing if you just wish to be creative – this jam is for everyone, so just let us know.
Prizes
The jury of Frictional Games employees and the Discord moderator team will pick the winner(s) of the jam.
The winner will receive One ROG Xbox Ally from our friends at ASUS ROG
The winner(s) will also receive Steam-keys to ONTOS upon launch.
Contact
The Fan Jam is organized by Frictional Games’ PR coordinator Oskar, with support from the Frictional Games Discord moderators. The easiest way to get in touch with us is either via the Frictional Games Discord server’s #2026_mod_jam channel – or you can use this contact form.
PS. Make sure to wishlist ONTOS today to not miss out on anything that could make you question reality 🌙
