About the challenge

Ready to take on a hackathon and grow your portfolio?👀 Hackiethon 2026 focuses on using AI APIs and integrating them into game.

If your just starting out don’t worry, we’ll have workshops and a template code provided to guide you through it! Come along and be part of the experience. 💻

Whether you’re just starting out or already experienced in programming, everyone is welcome! With workshops, online support, and a supportive team environment, you’ll have plenty of help along the way. 🤝

🕹️Opening Ceremony: 27 March 5-6pm, Prest Theatre (FBE Building)

🕹️Hub Day: 28 March 11am-4pm, Arts West Rooms 253 & 356

🕹️Submission Deadline: 30 March 12am

🕹️Closing Ceremony + Project Showcase: 2ND OF APRIL (not 4th) 5.30 – 7.30pm, Latham Theatre, Redmond Barry

👥 Teams of 1–3!

Getting started:

Hackiethon Information website

Demonstration Game: An AI-integrated RPG where the AI acts as the game master and decides how the story goes randomly

Template code: A simplified version of the demo game that's easy to understand. A clean foundation to help you understand different components of an AI-integrated game.

 

Requirements

How to Submit Your Project on Devpost

All hackathon projects must be submitted via Devpost. Follow these steps to get set up and ready:

 

1. Create a Devpost Account

  1. Go to https://devpost.com

  2. Click Sign Up (top right).

  3. You can sign up with GitHub, LinkedIn, or email.

  4. Fill in your profile (name, photo, bio).

 

2. Join the 2026 Hackiethon Devpost Page

  1. Visit the 2026 Hackiethon Devpost event link (we’ll provide it in Discord and at the Opening Ceremony).

  2. Click Join Hackathon.

  3. Make sure you’re logged in with your Devpost account.

 

3. Form or Join a Team

  • Teams can be 1–3 members.

  • Once you’ve joined the hackathon on Devpost:

    1. Go to the Participants tab.

    2. Invite teammates using their Devpost usernames or emails.

    3. Confirm your team formation before you submit.

 

4. Prepare Your Submission

When your project is ready, click Submit Project on the hackathon page. You’ll be asked to provide:

  • Project name

  • Description (Including explanation on how AI in integrated)

  • Demo: video submission demonstrating the game with commentary where necessary on mechanics (under 10 mins)

  • Product: a GitHub link for the game

  • Team members: including team members’ student ID and contact emails

  • Register for First Year Team (if eligible) in submission

 

5. Submit Before the Deadline

  • Final submission deadline: Monday 30th March, 11:59pm (AEST)

  • Late submissions won’t be accepted, so aim to finish early.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$600 in prizes
Best Overall Game
$200 in cash
1 winner

Most Entertaining Game
$200 in cash
1 winner

Best First Year Game
$200 in cash
1 winner

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Hackathon Team

Hackathon Team
HackMelbourne

Judging Criteria

  • Creativity
    Uniqueness of game setting | Narrative choices | Originality of game mechanics
  • Gameplay
    Fun factor | Replayability | Cohesion with setting and narrative | Balance of depth vs simplicity | Interaction loops and player agency
  • Visuals
    Presentation | Quality and integration of graphics (sprites, ASCII art)
  • AI Leverage
    To what extent does LLM/AI technology affect the gameplay? (score based on impact) | How integrated is the use of LLM/AI technology? | How much does it affect the player experience?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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