NUS Libraries Collections Game Jam 2026
What stories are hiding in the Library’s collections?
The NUS Libraries Collections Game Jam 2026 invites participants to transform materials from NUS Libraries' collections into short, playable digital games. Explore historical maps, newspapers, photographs, archives and other resources, then reimagine them through gameplay.
Your game could uncover a forgotten story, bring a historical place to life, turn research into a puzzle, or help players experience a collection in an entirely new way. No prior knowledge of the collections is required. Selected materials, prompts and supporting information will be provided to help you get started.
Participants will also have access to workshops and resources covering game ideation, game mechanics and Unity development.
Who Can Participate?
The Game Jam is open to current NUS students from all disciplines and experience levels. Beginners are welcome.
Participants must take part in teams of two to three members. NUS staff members are not eligible to participate.
To participate, every team member must complete both registration steps:
- Register through the NUS Libraries registration platform so that we can verify your eligibility as a current NUS student. https://nus.libcal.com/calendar/techcentral/gj26
- Join the Game Jam on itch.io to access the jam materials and submit your game.
Registration is only considered complete when both steps have been completed.
The Challenge
Create a short, browser-playable digital game inspired by at least one of the featured NUS Libraries collections or prompts.
Your submission should:
- Meaningfully incorporate the selected collection, story or theme
- Be playable within approximately 3 to10 minutes.
- Acknowledge the collection materials and external resources used
- Be created during the Game Jam period; and
- be playable online through itch.io without requiring downloads or additional software.
Games may be created using Unity or another suitable game-development platform.
Downloadable desktop games, mobile applications, virtual reality applications, tabletop games, board games, card games and physical prototypes will not be accepted.
Important Dates
- Registration opens: 3 August 2026
- Workshops (in person):
- 19 August 2026; 7.30pm - 9.30pm - Unity Game Start #1 ; Location: Com3-01-23, Seminar Room 14
- 26 August 2026; 7.30pm - 9.30pm - Unity Game Start #2 ; Location: Com3-01-23, Seminar Room 14
- 2 September 2026; 11am - 12.00pm - Game Mechanics & Collections (Digital Scholarship Lab, Central Library)
- Game Jam begins: 5 September 2026, 11:00AM
- Submission deadline: 11 September 2026, 11:59PM
- Showcase and prize presentation: 12 September 11:00AM
Rules
- Each team must have two to three members.
- Each participant may belong to only one team.
- Each team may submit only one game.
- The main game concept and original contribution must be developed during the Game Jam period. Teams may plan their ideas and attend workshops beforehand.
- Pre-existing code, templates, frameworks and assets may be used where permitted by their licences.
- All external assets, tools, collection materials and generative AI use must be appropriately credited or disclosed.
- Participants must ensure that they have permission to use and share all materials included in their game and project files.
- Games must remain accessible online throughout the judging period.
- Entries must not contain unlawful, hateful, discriminatory, sexually explicit, defamatory or excessively graphic content.
- Entries must not contain malware, harmful code, unauthorised data collection or materials that infringe another person’s rights.
- Historical, cultural, social or political topics should be handled thoughtfully and respectfully.
Entries that do not comply with these rules may be disqualified.
What to Submit
Each team must complete two submissions by the deadline. Before submitting your game, please ensure that every team member has completed the NUS Libraries registration and joined the Game Jam on itch.io.
1. Itch.io Submission
Submit your browser-playable game through the official Game Jam page.
Your submission must include:
- a working browser-playable version of the game;
- a brief description of the game;
- an explanation of its connection to the selected collection;
- instructions on how to play;
- the names of all team members;
- credits for external assets, tools and collection materials; and
- a declaration of any substantial use of generative AI.
2. Project File Submission
Upload the complete Unity or other game-development project through the separate form provided by the organisers.
The project-file submission should include:
- all scripts, scenes, assets and project settings required to open and edit the game;
- the version of the game engine or development software used;
- required packages, plugins or dependencies;
- instructions for opening and building the project; and
- details of any third-party assets that cannot be included.
Do not include paid, restricted or unlicensed assets that you do not have permission to share.
Both submissions are required for the entry to be eligible for judging.
Teams are responsible for ensuring that their game and project files are complete, accessible and functional. Late, incomplete, inaccessible or corrupted submissions may not be judged.
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Creative interpretation of the collection
- Integration of the collection into the gameplay
- Game design and player experience
- Originality
- Overall completeness and presentation
Terms and Conditions
Participation is subject to the full NUS Libraries Collections Game Jam 2026 Terms and Conditions.
By registering and submitting an entry, participants confirm that they have read and agreed to the Terms and Conditions.
Ready to Press Start?
Dig into the collections, uncover unexpected stories and turn them into something playable.
Join us in giving NUS Libraries’ collections a new game-shaped life. 🎮📚
