Geekfest 2026 Game Jam

Wet vs Dry: Battle of the Tropics!

🌴 Launches Thursday 28 May | Closes 08:00 PM Thursday 25 June 2026

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.

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

Winners will be announced at Geekfest Top End Saturday 4 July 2026, where the games will also be playable by the public at The Array's Indie Games Arena!

1. You have 28 days to build your game – work at your own pace!
2. Use any game engine or framework you like.
3. Work solo or in a team (we recommend teams of no more than 4).
4. New to jams? Perfect! This is all about learning and having a go.
5. Need help? Join the NT Game Designers Discord to ask questions, find teammates, or share progress.

1. Keep it Clean: No NSFW, offensive or discriminatory content. This is an all-ages, inclusive jam.
2. NT-Only for Prizes: You must be based in the Northern Territory and submit your entry via the official form to be eligible for prizes.
3. New Work Only: No resubmissions of previous NT game jam entries. Let’s see something fresh!
4. Theme Integration: Your game must include the words “Wet VS Dry” visibly in the game (title screen, credits, dialogue, etc.). This helps us verify entries and reduce spam.

• Can I use premade assets? Yes, as long as you have the right licence and credit appropriately.
• Can I use AI tools? Sure — but the final result should show human creativity too.
• Do I need to code from scratch? Nope! Use tools, engines, or frameworks that work for you.
• Can I work in a team? Absolutely. Just be sure everyone is credited and only one team member submits.

Judges will consider:

• Innovation – Did you try something unique?
• Gameplay – Is it fun? Smooth? Engaging?
• Design – How well do the art, audio, and visuals work together?
• Theme Use – Did you capture the Tropics spirit?

This event is proudly supported by: