Game Dev

Overview Design, Build, and Deploy Your Game in a 2-Week Surprise Theme Game Jam! About the Event: Step up to the challenge in Game Dev, Synergy '26’s premier 2-week online game development competition! Participants will design, build, and deploy an original game centered around a surprise theme revealed at kickoff. Whether you are a solo developer or an ambitious squad, this jam tests your game design skills, programming prowess, artistic creativity, and ability to execute under a deadline. Engine Restrictions & Scope: Approved Game Engines: All games must be built exclusively using Unity or Godot. Surprise Theme: The game must incorporate the official theme revealed at the start of the jam. Submissions failing to align with the theme will face score penalties. Submission Requirements: Submissions must be provided via a public Google Drive link (with view/download access enabled) containing: Playable Build: Complete executable file (Windows, Linux, or Web build). Gameplay Demo Video: A 2–3 minute video showcasing core mechanics, controls, and gameplay loop. Source Code / Project Files: Full project directory for technical verification and code quality assessment. Rules & Regulations: Team Size: Compete individually or in teams of up to 4 members. Timeline: The competition runs online for exactly two weeks starting from the official theme announcement. Engine Compliance: Only Unity or Godot projects will be accepted. Originality: All submitted games must be built during the official 2-week competition window. Decisions: Evaluations conducted by the judging panel are final. Evaluation Criteria: Theme Adherence: How cleverly and centrally the surprise theme is integrated into mechanics or narrative. Creativity & Originality: Novelty of concepts, visual style, and core game loop. Gameplay Mechanics: Responsiveness, control feel, fun factor, and level design. Art & Audio: Aesthetic cohesion, visual polish, sound design, and music. Code Quality: Project structure, execution stability, and software hygiene.