The annual Geekfest Game Jam is back, and this year we’re diving headfirst into the ultimate Top End showdown:

Wet vs Dry — Battle of the Tropics!

From monsoonal chaos to dusty Dry Season adventures, we want to see your take on life in the tropics through games. Think cyclones, thunderstorms, crocs, humidity, bushfires, mango madness, roadtrips, beach missions, flooded highways, camping season, mozzies, aircons fighting for their lives, or anything inspired by the wild contrast between the NT’s two iconic seasons.

Whether your game is funny, weird, nostalgic, dramatic, cosy, or completely chaotic — this is your chance to build something uniquely Territory.

🎮 Whether you’re a seasoned dev or making your very first game, everyone is welcome.

After the jam closes, a panel of local legends will play through the entries and award prizes from a $500 prize pool, including a special award for a standout creator under 18.

🏆 Winners will be announced at Geekfest Top End on Saturday 4 July 2026, where selected games will also be playable by the public inside The Array Indie Games Arena.

IMPORTANT STUFF

1. Keep it Clean. No NSFW, hateful, offensive, or discriminatory content. This is an all-ages inclusive event.

2. NT Only for Prizes. To be eligible for prizes, participants must be based in the Northern Territory and submit through the official entry form.

3. New Work Only. Please don’t resubmit previous game jam projects. We want to see fresh ideas.

4. Theme Integration. Your game must clearly reference the theme “Wet vs Dry” somewhere in the experience — whether through gameplay, story, visuals, dialogue, setting, or mechanics.

FAQ

• Can I use premade assets? Yep — just make sure you have the correct licence and provide credits where needed.

• Can I use AI tools? Absolutely, but the final game should still reflect your own creativity and effort.

• Do I need to code from scratch? Not at all. Use whatever tools help you make something awesome.

• Can I work in a team? Definitely. Just credit everyone properly, and only one team member should submit the final build.

JUDGING CRITERIA

🎨 Creativity & Innovation. Did you bring a unique idea or interesting twist?

🎮 Gameplay. Is it fun, engaging, polished, or memorable?

🌴 Theme Use. How well did you capture the spirit of Wet vs Dry in the tropics?

🔊 Presentation. How well do the visuals, audio, and overall experience come together?