Brainwave Game Jam

Let’s kick off 2026 with creativity, code, and chaos! JoyStix (DTU’s Video Game Development Society) and AIMS (DTU’s AI & ML Society) proudly present the Brainwave Winter Game Jam 2026 — a high-energy, online + offline game development challenge bringing together students and indie developers from across India. This is your chance to think fast, build faster, and turn ideas into playable games — all within a limited time and under a thrilling theme revealed at the start of the jam. What Is Brainwave Game Jam? Brainwave is a fortnight-long game jam where participants conceptualize, design, and develop a complete game from scratch based on a common theme. Whether you’re a first-time game developer or a seasoned indie creator, this jam is all about: Creativity & innovation Collaboration & rapid prototyping Experimentation without limits You can participate solo or in teams, and the theme can be integrated into your gameplay, visuals, mechanics, or narrative. Event Timeline: Round 1 — Online Qualifier 1 – 9 January 2026 Mode: Online Theme reveal Idea building, prototyping, and initial development Teams submit their games online through itch.io page Final Round — Offline 24-Hour Game Jam 16 – 17 January 2026 DTU Campus, Delhi Duration: 24 hours, non-stop Top teams from Round 1 will be invited to DTU for an intense, overnight offline finale — code, design, debug, repeat! Rules Plagiarism is strictly prohibited The game must be built entirely between 1–17 January 2026 Entries not following the theme will be disqualified You may reuse your own previously created assets Third-party assets are allowed only with proper commercial usage rights Team size: 1–5 members All participants must be registered on Unstop Judging Criteria: Your game will be evaluated on: Originality & Innovation Theme Implementation Visuals & Asset Harmony Gameplay & Fun Factor Polish & Completeness Submission Process Participants must submit the following: A Git repository link containing: Complete game files Asset credits and documentation A concise overview including: Game title Genre Core gameplay description Screenshots, concept art, or gameplay videos (Optional) A brief story or narrative synopsis Technical details: Game engine Tools Technologies used ️ Submissions without valid Unstop registration will be considered invalid.