Truth, Lies & Democracy

“Truth, Lies & Democracy” (TLD) is an immersive 48-hour game jam uniting creativity, technology, and civic engagement to explore one of the most urgent challenges of our time: disinformation.

International developer teams come together in the European Capital of Democracy to build playable, thought-provoking games that make misinformation tangible – and teach players how to navigate the blurred lines between truth and lies.

Launched in Barcelona in 2024 and hosted in Vienna in 2025, TLD now travels to Cascais, the European Capital of Democracy 2026, for its third edition on 4–6 December 2026.

TRUTH, LIES AND DEMOCRACY 2026 IN CASCAIS

The third edition of Truth, Lies & Democracy takes place from 4–6 December 2026 in Cascais, Portugal, as part of the official programme of the European Capital of Democracy 2026, in cooperation with XL Games.

This year’s edition expands the conversation beyond “fake news” to the growing impact of artificial intelligence on information ecosystems. Teams will be invited to explore:

● AI-generated content and deepfakes
● Automated systems that influence public opinion
● Algorithms that amplify misleading or polarising narratives
● Ethical questions around AI and digital responsibility
● How democracies can stay resilient in rapidly changing digital environments

The goal is not just to spot misinformation – but to create interactive experiences that show how digital manipulation works, and how societies can push back.

GET INVOLVED

As a Gamer

Whether you are a programmer or game designer – if you can help build a video game, there’s a place for you at TLD. Bring your skills and your perspective on democracy in the digital age. You’ll work in a team of 3–4 gamers. Apply now.

As a Mentor or Juror

Share your expertise in game design, media literacy, technology, or democracy with the next generation of civic game developers. Mentors and jurors are central to the TLD experience. Get in touch to learn more at tld@capitalofdemocracy.eu

As a Partner

Connect your organisation to a unique, purpose-driven initiative at the intersection of gaming, civic tech, and democracy. Reach out to us at at tld@capitalofdemocracy.eu

APPLY TO JOIN THE GAME JAM

Ready to build a game that challenges fake news, disinformation, and digital manipulation?

Applications are now open for Truth, Lies & Democracy 2026, a 48-hour game jam taking place in Cascais, Portugal, from 4–6 December 2026.

We are looking for game developers, designers, programmers, creative technologists, and other people who can contribute to building a playable game prototype in a team.

You do not need to be a professional game developer. What matters is your ability to contribute meaningfully to a working game prototype and your interest in using games to explore democracy, AI, and disinformation.

You can apply either as an individual or as part of a team of up to four people. If you apply individually, we will match you with other selected participants to form a team.

Sounds great – I want to join

Who Should Apply?

You should apply if you:

enjoy making games, prototypes, interactive stories, or playful digital experiences;
can contribute to a team as a programmer, game designer, artist, writer, UI/UX designer, sound designer, producer, or creative technologist;
are curious about AI, disinformation, media literacy, civic engagement, or democracy;
are excited to build something playable in 48 hours;
enjoy working collaboratively and creatively in a team.

Eligibility

Participants must:

be at least 18 years old;
be resident in a Council of Europe member state or Kosovo;
be available for the full duration of the Game Jam from 4–6 December 2026;
be able to contribute actively to a team during the 48-hour development process.

GAMES MATTER

Europe holds 4,900 game studios and 200 game distributors. It has over 386 million players, 50% of the population between the ages of 6 to 64 play video games. This format shows the importance of designing interactive education programmes. Developing video games also means giving younger generations a voice in how our democracies must adapt to new cultural and political scenarios.