The Game Exchange program culminates in an annual international game design competition, through which participating middle and high school students (grades 5-12) can enter their original social impact games for the chance to win awesome prizes including video games, technology, and more! Game Exchange students should complete their competition entry form during a submission period that follows the round of virtual exchange in which they participated. Games will be evaluated in May-June by international panels of expert jurors.  All students will be notified of their standing in the competition in early June and winners will be announced at the Game Exchange Awards Ceremony in June 2023.

Games will be evaluated by an international group of games industry professionals and theme topic experts. All games will be evaluated (and scored) in each of the following judging categories:

Gameplay:

• Is the game playable? Is the gameplay smooth and bug-free?

• Is the gameplay well-balanced (not too easy/hard)?

• Do players have meaningful choices in the process of achieving the game’s goal?

Originality:

• Is the game concept new, fresh, and innovative?

• How unique is the design; does it bear little resemblance to other games?

Use of Theme:

• Does the game address its theme in a meaningful way?

• Is the theme at the forefront of the game?

• Is theme information presented clearly and accurately?

Game Studio:

• Did the student(s) present a clear vision of their game studio’s values and identity?

• Does the game seem to align with the values and identity of the creator(s)’ ‘game studio’ (as described in the submission form)?

Wow Factor:

• How fun is the game?

• Would you recommend it to someone else to play?