Team of 2–6 · Online game, portfolio, demonstration video, and possible presentation
Video Game Design
Your team creates a playable online game and explains the decisions behind its design.
What you make or do
- Create an interactive online game on a subject your team chooses. Judges must be able to play at least three levels, and gameplay must last longer than three minutes.
- Create a portfolio PDF with the game's purpose, audience and market research, instructions and controls, a sketched storyboard, copyright documentation, and a work log.
- Include a link to a video of up to two minutes showing a student demonstrating at least three levels with voiceover instructions.
This year’s challenge
There is no separate annual theme listed. Your team chooses the game's subject, and the game must meet the event's requirements for content suitable for everyone, including no weapons or violence.
How the competition works
Before the event
Build and test the online game, record the demonstration video, and submit the game URL and portfolio PDF by the official pre-conference deadline.
First round
Judges play the game's first three levels and review the portfolio, including the demonstration video, to choose semifinalists.
If you advance
Give a presentation of up to five minutes and answer judges' questions for up to five minutes.
Know before you choose: Judges must be able to play the game online without a software download, executable file, or request for access. Keep it playable from the submission deadline through the end of the conference.
How your work is scored
Judges evaluate the game's creativity, technical skill, flow, mechanics, and appeal, plus its documentation and demonstration video. Semifinalists also receive a presentation/interview score; the guide allows bonus consideration for exceptional features or educational and social value.
Check official rule updates
Video Game Design
1/21/26
E.1.c.
Include/cite any references for market research
Official files to keep
- Download the full event guide (PDF)
- Download the official rubric or score sheet (PDF)
- Download the general rules (PDF)
- Download the complete guide with the forms appendix (PDF)
Read the guide, current challenge, and updates together. This overview helps you choose; the official documents give the full requirements.
Guide evidence: 343–348. Annual sources checked September 10, 2026. These are national competition rules; your teacher will confirm any regional or state changes.
Interested in this event?
Use the notes sheet to check what this choice would involve.
Start my competition notes