S.T.E.M JAM is a science-inspired game jam organized by the Game Development & E-Sports Club (GDES), IIT Guwahati, in collaboration with Techniche, IIT Guwahati and the Game Developers Association of India (GDAI).
The jam challenges participants to transform scientific ideas into games, stories, mechanics, and interactive experiences.
You do not need prior scientific knowledge to participate. The themes are designed to guide participants toward interesting interpretations of scientific concepts regardless of academic background.
Rather than creating educational software or scientific simulations, participants are encouraged to use scientific thinking as a source of creativity and inspiration.
12 July
Theme Reveal & Submissions Open (00:00 IST)
25 July
Submissions Close (End of Day)
31 July
Results Announced & Invitation Emails Sent
27th -30th August (Tentative)
Offline Finals at IIT Guwahati during Techniche
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Remember: 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. Aim to surprise :).
There are no restrictions on team size. Participate solo or collaborate with as many teammates as you wish.
Any game engine, framework, programming language, or development environment may be used.
External assets are permitted provided you have the legal right to use them and appropriate credit is given.
AI-generated artwork is strictly prohibited.
The use of AI-generated code is strongly discouraged. While this rule cannot realistically be enforced, participants are encouraged to write, understand, and own the code they submit.
Participants retain full ownership of their projects.
Games should be reasonably stable, complete, and playable at the time of submission.
Offline Finals:
Shortlisted teams are expected to present their games in person at IIT Guwahati during the offline finals. If you intend to compete for the prizes, please ensure that you are able to attend these dates.
Travel expenses will not be reimbursed. Accommodation will be available within the IIT Guwahati campus at the standard Techniche accommodation rates for the duration of the festival.
Windows (.exe)
Android (.apk)
Web Builds
Other formats may be accepted provided clear instructions for execution are supplied.
The current prize pool includes
Up to 6 IGDC Conference Passes
along with additional goodies that may be announced closer to the event.
Shortlisted teams will present their games before a panel of judges from GDAI and IIT Guwahati during the offline finals.
The presentations, followed by a Q&A session with the judges, will determine the final rankings and the recipients of the prizes.
Original ideas.
Meaningful incorporation of the themes.
Strong gameplay.
A memorable player experience.
