GAME-ATHON

Description: GAME-ATHON is a vibe-coding hackathon themed “Retro Reimagined – Building Classic Games with AI.” Teams use AI-assisted coding tools to rebuild a classic/retro game genre from scratch within a single 6-hour session, adding modern twists on top of the original mechanics.Eligibility: Open to all currently enrolled students of the institute. No prior hackathon experience required.Team Size & Format/Rounds Team size: 2–3 members per team.Capacity: 24 teams (first-come-first-served registration).Format — 3-stage elimination funnel:Round 1 (Build Sprint) — all 24 teams build toward a concept + working skeleton.Checkpoint Elimination — judged walkthrough; 24 → 12 teams advance.Mid-Event Mini-Games — Human Tetris & Blindfold Snake, teams assigned by lucky draw; can grant one wildcard re-entry.Round 2 (Feature & Polish Sprint) — 12–13 teams continue building.Pre-Final Screening — shortlist to top 5 teams.Final Round — live demo + Q&A in front of the judging panel; Top 3 win.Duration & Timings TimePhase10:30 – 11:00 AMRegistration + Briefing + Theme Reveal11:00 AM – 1:00 PMRound 1: Concept Lock & Build Sprint (24 teams)1:00 – 1:30 PMCheckpoint Elimination — 24 → 12 teams1:30 – 2:00 PMMid-Event Mini-Games (Human Tetris / Blindfold Snake) — wildcard re-entry possible2:00 – 3:30 PMRound 2: Feature & Polish Sprint (12–13 teams)3:30 – 3:50 PMPre-Final Screening — shortlist to 5 teams3:50 – 4:15 PMFinal Round: Live Demo + Q&A (Top 5)4:15 – 4:30 PMJudging Deliberation + Prize DistributionRules Open to all currently enrolled students. Team size fixed at 2–3; no team-hopping once the event begins.Registration is first-come-first-served, capped at 24 teams.Any AI coding tool is allowed and encouraged (Copilot, Cursor, Claude, ChatGPT, v0, etc.) and must be disclosed. Importing a pre-built full game or purchased asset/template pack is not allowed.Teams start from a blank repository at the Briefing; no code before the Building Phase officially starts.Internet use is allowed for AI tools, docs, and royalty-free assets. Copying an existing open-source game wholesale is not allowed.Submitting a concept card and working skeleton by the Checkpoint deadline is mandatory — missing it means automatic elimination.Every team must send the required player(s) for their drawn mini-game. Wildcard re-entry goes only to a Zone Champion already eliminated at Checkpoint 1.Judged out of 100 across creativity, technical execution, AI usage, fun factor, and presentation. Judging panel decisions are final.Respectful conduct is mandatory. Harassment, plagiarism, or disallowed assets lead to immediate disqualification.Teams bring their own laptops and chargers; the institute provides venue, internet, and extension boards only.PrizesPositionPrize1st Place₹12,000 cash + trophy + certificate2nd Place₹8,000 cash + trophy + certificate3rd Place₹5,000 cash + trophy + certificateAll 5 FinalistsCertificate of DistinctionAll ParticipantsCertificate of Participation