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Competition FAQs


How can I better prepare for the competition?

  • You can join one of our events (Game Jams and/or game design virtual courses) and use this handbook to set yourself up for success.

Are there any examples of games participants have created in the past?

  • You can play the finalist and winning games from last year’s Challenge in the 2025 Student Arcade.

Can I submit competition entries outside of this year’s themes?

  • No. In order to qualify, you must design a game about one of this year’s themes.

How many winners will there be?

  • There are many chances to win! Each award category will have a junior, senior, and expert winning game/submission. All winners will receive prizes, and all finalists and winners will be featured on the G4C Student Challenge Arcade. 

Can I design more than one game or character for the competition?

  • You may submit more than one entry. You will need to complete the submission form for each entry you submit. Do not submit the SAME game twice.

Can I update my game after submitting it to the competition?

  • We STRONGLY discourage participants from updating their game after submitting it to the competition to avoid accidentally breaking their game/link to the game, which may lead to disqualification.

Can I submit a game that I submitted to a previous Student Challenge competition?

  • Yes! As long as the game is related to one of this year’s themes, was NOT a winning submission in previous Student Challenge competitions, and follows the game guidelines in this handbook, you may enter a past game into this year’s competition.

 

Use of AI FAQs


What is the AI policy for submitting a game or character artwork to the competition?

  • Responsible use of AI is acceptable as long as the student follows these guidelines, and students are required to report their use of AI in the competition portal when asked. Please keep in mind the prohibited uses of AI in your submission:
    • Submitting a project where AI has created the game design, narrative, or gameplay functions.
    • Presenting AI-generated content as if it were entirely created by humans, without saying that AI helped in the creation.
    • Copying AI-generated text or pictures and claiming them as your own original work.
    • Using AI to break competition rules, such as automatically generating completed games without any work from you or your teammates. 

What does “original work” mean?

  • When referring to original work/artwork/writing, it means that creators should not be directly copying the work of something that already exists. For example, you should not submit a replica drawing of Super Mario to the Character Design Challenge. 

 

Eligibility FAQs


What are the Junior, Senior, and Expert competition categories? 

  • Creators must be between the ages of 10 and 25.
    • If they are aged 10-13, they will submit to the “Junior” competition categories.
    • If they are aged 14-18, they will submit to the “Senior” competition categories.
    • If they are aged 19-25, they will submit to the “Expert” competition categories.

If I am between the ages of 19-25, do I need to be an expert designer?

  • We understand you might not feel like an “expert” game designer yet - that’s ok! We get many entries from students who are brand new to game design in each award category.

If I’m a homeschool student, can I still enter the competition?

  • Absolutely! As long as the student is in the approved age range, they may submit to the Student Challenge competition. It's not required to be formally enrolled in an educational institution to enter the competition.

 

Game Design Platform FAQs


What game design platform can I use to submit to the competition?

  • You are welcome to use any digital design platform (free or paid) and the final game is playable on a web browser (ex: Unity, Construct, Python, RPG Maker, Twine, etc.). 

What versions of Minecraft are accepted into the competition?

  • All versions of Minecraft are accepted, and only video walkthroughs of the games will be eligible for the relevant theme category and the Best Game Trailer award category.

How do I know whether or not their game platform of choice is eligible?

What is the policy on using royalty-free / no copyright / open source applications for submissions?

  • This is allowed, and we understand that creators sometimes buy assets to enhance their game. Creators may use free and/or paid assets to create their games.

 

Staying Informed FAQs


Where can I find curriculum and other resources?

  • Everything young creators and educators need this year is available on the G4C Learning Center.

How do I stay up to date with Student Challenge news?

  • Educators and students who signed up for the Student Challenge will receive program updates via direct email (If you are signed up for the Challenge, but are not receiving emails, see page 3 of this handbook). 
  • Not signed up yet? Register here!
  • You can follow us on social media or, if old enough, join the Student Challenge Discord.

Where can I find information about student events like Game Jams?

Whom do I reach out to with questions?

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