Overview
Presented by Code Variant — Build Different.
Every game begins with an idea. In OUT OF BOUNDS, your team gets 12 hours to turn yours into a playable browser-based experience.
OUT OF BOUNDS is an online web game development hackathon that brings together developers, designers, and creative problem-solvers to build original games. Choose your own genre, mechanics, and theme. The goal is to create an experience that people can actually play.
Event Format
The competition has two rounds
Round 1 — Idea Submission
Submit your game concept as a PowerPoint presentation or PDF.
Maximum length: 5 slides.
Your submission should explain the game overview, core gameplay, originality, player experience, and technical feasibility.
Entries will be evaluated using the Round 1 judging criteria.
The 50 highest-scoring teams will qualify for Round 2.
PPT Submission Deadline: 21 November 2026
Round 2 — The 12-Hour Build
Date: 29 November 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM IST
Shortlisted teams will develop and submit a playable web game during the 12-hour build period.
The game must run in a modern web browser.
A hosted, playable game URL is mandatory.
Desktop browser compatibility is required.
Mobile compatibility is encouraged.
Any game genre or theme is allowed.
The submitted game must remain accessible to the judges.
Teams must substantially develop their game during the official build period.
The Surprise Mechanism
At the six-hour mark of the event, a special mechanism will be revealed. Teams must adapt to the additional challenge or rule announced during the event.
Team & Registration Rules
Team size: 1–4 participants.
Registration fee: ₹19
Each participant may belong to only one team.
Team composition is locked after registration. Team changes are not allowed.
Participants must provide accurate registration details.
Final Submission Requirements
Teams must submit:
A publicly accessible hosted game URL.
A source-code repository accessible to the judges.
A README explaining the game objective, controls, technologies, instructions, and known limitations.
Team name and registered participant details.
Disclosure of significant AI assistance, reused code, and third-party assets.
An optional 1–3 minute demo video showing actual gameplay.
The hosted, playable game is the primary deliverable. A demo video does not replace a functioning game link.
Judging
Round 1 — Idea Submission (100 points)
Originality and differentiation: 25
Gameplay concept and core mechanics: 25
Clarity of the idea: 20
Feasibility within 12 hours: 20
Player appeal and engagement potential: 10
The top 50 teams, ranked by score, advance to Round 2.
Round 2 — Final Game (100 points)
Gameplay and player experience: 25
Creativity and originality: 20
Technical execution and functionality: 20
Game design and mechanics: 15
Visual design and usability: 10
Completeness and polish: 10
Round 1 scores are not carried forward. Judges evaluate the actual playable game, not just the idea.
Prizes & Recognition
1st Place: ₹3,000
2nd Place: ₹1,000
3rd Place: ₹500
Top 10: Excellence certificates
Top 50: Shortlisted-team recognition
All participants: Participation certificates
Tools & Originality
AI tools, frameworks, libraries, game engines, and other development aids are allowed, subject to applicable licences. Significant AI assistance, reused code, and third-party assets must be disclosed.
Plagiarism, misrepresentation, cheating, sabotage, and fraudulent submissions may result in disqualification. Participants are expected to behave respectfully and professionally.
Build Something Different
Bring your idea, build your game, and see how far you can take it.
OUT OF BOUNDS — Same browser. Bigger worlds.
Organised by Code Variant | Build Different.