This jam is now over. It ran from 2021-07-29 21:00:00 to 2021-08-27 11:59:00. View results


We have just put the last bells and whistles on a new hardware console we’ve been working on as a startup and are inviting game developers and community members to join us in building games that can utilise this new technology.  Grasshopper (the hardware console) has been featured on YankoDesign, TrendHunter, EduGrowth, UTS, Global Grad Show, StartupDaily and the NZ Best Awards, among others. 

We’ve partnered with industry veterans, educators and a Sydney-based game studio who are keen and ready to provide feedback and select winners.

$2K in cash prizes up for grabs!

About the Hardware

The hardware consists of four silicone buttons with a removable electronic puck in each that acts as a distributed physical controller to get kids moving while they play. By placing these four buttons on the floor kids can jump and dance from button to button to interact with games on devices. The buttons are completely wireless so they can be setup in any format be it 2 x 2, all in a line or scattered. The tech draws on epic experiences of yesteryear like the DanceDanceRevolution of olde.

The four silicone buttons are coloured and shaped as follows:

Yellow star

Blue square

Green triangle

Red circle

Anyone can join! You can build a game solo or with a team, if you are struggling to find team members consider connecting up with others on our Grasshopper Discord. You can even submit a game you've already created. Our Discord can be found at https://discord.gg/hcPE3wub8j

Woo! Congratulations on getting this far. We can't wait to see your incredible ideas. Submissions will be judged and a winner decided by the 24th of September 2021. Remember to keep these things in mind.

Games can be built in any game engine but React JS and Unity are encouraged.

  • Involves four button inputs in the game (based on the four hardware buttons).
  • Game targeted towards kids anywhere from 3-9 and provide some degree of learning outcome for kids.
  • Integrate some novel game mechanic or experience.
  • Pre built games are also welcome. Any game with four button inputs should be able to integrate well with the parameters of the hardware.

This jam is taking place from 18th August at 9am (AEST) to 17th September at 11:59pm (AEST)

Award winners to be announced 24th September at 4pm (AEST)

Learning Outcomes

Some ideas for learning outcomes include the following. Feel free to pick and choose from the list below or provide a different learning outcome.

  • Identifying colours/shapes
  • Sorting and classifying
  • Motor skills
  • Social skills
  • Spatial awareness
  • Co-ordination
  • Matching
  • Memory

Prizes

First Place - Best overall game, $1000.

Active Play Award - Encourages a novel range of ways to get kids active IRL, $500.

Education Award - Best incorporation of learning outcomes for kids, $500.