S.T.E.M Jam

S.T.E.M JAM is a science-inspired Game Jam brought to you by the Game Development & E-Sports Club (GDES), IIT Guwahati, with support from Techniche, IIT Guwahati and the Game Developers Association of India (GDAI). The event challenges participants to explore the intersection of scientific thinking, creativity, and interactive design. Rather than focusing on educational simulations or technical demonstrations, S.T.E.M JAM encourages participants to transform concepts from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics into engaging mechanics, narratives, systems, and player experiences. Whether you are a programmer, artist, designer, musician, storyteller, researcher, or simply someone with an interesting idea, S.T.E.M Jam provides a platform to experiment, collaborate, and create something unique. No prior scientific background is required. The themes are designed to guide participants toward interesting interpretations of scientific concepts regardless of their academic background. Participants are encouraged to think beyond conventional interpretations of S.T.E.M and explore how scientific ideas can influence gameplay, storytelling, aesthetics, and player interaction. Games may be developed in 2D, 3D, or any other format using any engine, framework, or tool of choice. Timeline 12th July 2026 Theme Release Submissions Open 26th July 2026 Submissions Close (E.O.D) 31st July 2026 Results announced on itch.io. Invitation emails sent to shortlisted teams. 30th–31st August 2026 (Tentative) Offline Finals at IIT Guwahati during Techniche. Shortlisted teams will present their games before the judging panel. Event Format Round 1: Online Development Participants will develop and submit their games during the online submission window. Submission Formats Windows Build (.exe) Android Build (.apk) Web Build Other executable formats (with appropriate instructions) Requirements Incorporate the officially announced S.T.E.M JAM themes. Any engine, framework, or development environment may be used. Original work is expected. AI-generated artwork is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification. AI-assisted programming is strongly discouraged. While its usage cannot realistically be enforced, participants are encouraged to write, understand, and own the code they submit. Round 2: Offline Finals Selected teams will be invited to IIT Guwahati for the final round during Techniche. Teams will present and demonstrate their projects before a panel of judges from GDAI and IIT Guwahati, followed by a short Q&A session. These presentations will determine the final rankings and recipients of the prizes. Please register only if you are able to attend the offline finals. Travel assistance will not be provided. Accommodation will be available within the IIT Guwahati campus at the standard Techniche accommodation rates for the duration of the festival. Rules & Guidelines Team Size There are no restrictions on team size. Participate solo or collaborate with as many teammates as you wish. Allowed Tools Participants may use any development tool, including (but not limited to): Godot Unity Unreal Engine GameMaker Construct Custom Engines Assets External assets are permitted provided proper credit is given. Teams are responsible for ensuring they have the legal right to use all submitted content. Submission Requirements Each submission should include: A playable build A short game description (README.txt) Credits for all external assets used Installation or execution instructions, if required Themes The themes for the jam are intentionally broad and open to interpretation. There is no single "correct" approach to any theme, and we encourage participants to explore and express them through gameplay, mechanics, narrative, systems, art, audio, or any medium they choose. Sigma You are what accumulates. Every interaction leaves a mark, whether on you, the world around you, or the way you perceive it. Think about how experiences, memories, and small changes accumulate over time to shape identities, behaviours, or entire systems. Transmission The communication between systems. Information is rarely transmitted perfectly. It may be distorted, delayed, amplified, lost, or transformed along the way. Interpret transmission however you wish, whether through communication, energy, emotions, ideas, signals, or something entirely unexpected. Echo Actions reverberate beyond their moment. Some actions end the moment they occur, while others continue to influence the world long after they are gone. Explore how consequences, memories, patterns, or influences can ripple through time, people, or systems. Medium The channel shapes the meaning. The way something is experienced depends on the medium through which it is perceived. Consider how perspective, environment, representation, or context can alter meaning, behaviour, or understanding. A Note on Interpretation The themes are intended to inspire rather than constrain. Literal interpretations are welcome, but so are abstract, philosophical, mechanical, artistic, or unconventional ones. There is no single correct interpretation of a theme. Prize Pool The current prize pool includes: 6 IGDC Conference Passes along with additional goodies that may be announced closer to the event.