Two days. One theme. A handful of passionate game enthusiasts. That’s all it takes to build a video game from scratch.
Students from The Australian National University (ANU) recently competed in a Game Jam, a fast-paced, collaborative event hosted by student-led clubs, the Computer Science Students Association (CSSA) and Artifex.
The challenge? To create a fully functioning video game in just over 48 hours under the theme ‘Uncharted Depths’.
So, what exactly does that theme mean? For some students, it meant diving into the alien oceans of Europa or escaping a pit to get to work on time. Others opted to investigate mysterious archaeological ruins or open a pizzeria for underwater fish citizens.
The quest begins
Participants began by forming teams of up to five members. CSSA and Artifex brought together people skilled in coding, prototyping, sound design, concept art, story writing, and game architecture – making team formation not just a technical collaboration, but a chance to build lasting friendships at ANU.
“My team consisted of a scientist, a creative writer, two artists and one person who specialises in IT. This diversity improved my communication skills and has led me to making friends from disciplines I normally would not have interacted with.” ANU student at the Game Jam.
The theme was revealed on team formation night, at the Birch Innovation Space on Friday 7 March. With a $500 prize pool sponsored by the ASD-ANU Co-Lab on offer, students unleashed their creativity and dived into game development.
After a weekend of work and play, and very little sleep, the group had produced a wide range of imaginative titles.
Demo Night
Teams showcased their creations at Demo Night on Sunday 9 March, where each team had a chance to pitch their game to judges and other gamers.
“I gained experience working on an open-ended project, using many of the skills I learned at ANU. It augmented the university lifestyle of showing up to ANU to have fun and meet new people.” ANU student at the Game Jam.
Congratulations to “The Midnight Zone”, an eerie exploration of alien oceans, for winning first place among strong competition from 11 other teams.
Feeling inspired? Ready to take on your own game jam challenge next time? You can explore all of this year’s student-made games below.
For full scores and more details, visit the 2025 Game Jam webpage.
Game on
Ranked 1st
The Midnight Zone by TomWay, TernaryCats, JemIamPuddleDuck, JaperX
A thalassophobia style horror-exploration game set in the oceans of Europa, Jupiter’s second moon. Investigate alien life, scan flora and fauna, and return safely to your hub to preserve your findings.
Ranked 2nd
Brad’s Pit by shminge
Brad the busy businessman has fallen into a mysterious pit – help him get to work on time! Build a path out of the uncharted depths, each time inching a step closer to the sunlight.
Ranked 3rd
30 Seconds to Hell by andrew1k3
Plummet to the lowest depths of the underworld in this fast-paced Metroidvania adventure. Explore treasure-filled caverns, dangerous enemies, and tricky platforming in a non-linear, interconnected world.
Honourable mentions
Descend into Veritaguitas by MacSpawn, cypherbo, mobzer, QAE0, doomsdain
In the city of Veritaguitas, the reckless decisions of an unreliable mayor have led to unsustainable harvests. Taking matters into your own hands, you organise a trading route with a neighbouring city – but upon arrival, find a desolate chasm instead.
Pixel Pizzeria Under the Sea by spaceworker, tithisoni, rainboh0622
Dive into this whimsical virtual reality cooking adventure set in a vibrant underwater world. Create delicious, customizable pizzas for friendly fish citizens, gain new recipes, and turn your pizzeria into the hottest spot beneath the waves.
CaveAdventure by deuspio
Reach the depths of the cave as a curious explorer and free fall from platform to platform using your trusty rope.
Expedition Diver by DoomGuy077, SamJoffy, SabeerNayyar
Your deep-sea expedition has run into some trouble, when you encounter a giant unhappy shark. Escape the shark and other sea creatures while collecting treasure.
The Amazing Dropper by mart1111111
Choose your setting – caves, cities, drains, or the void – and free-fall through a never-ending drop. Avoid obstacles and buildings to continue your adventure.
feesh by oscarczer, Joishuhu, YepNope, Carol
Swim through the deep ocean as a friendly fish. Chat with other sea creatures, and make sure you don’t get caught by the police.
Whispering Stone by Funnystick
You awaken on the barren surface of CoRoT-36b and are sent to work at an archaeology site. When a previous group of researchers discover a locked door, you follow in their footsteps to uncover its secrets.
Descend down a deep cavern while getting mauled alive by spiders by TRr4M, Thomas_Bridgart
Explore a deep cave to find untold treasures or get mauled alive by spiders.
Congratulations to all the students who participated in the 2025 Game Jam- a memorable event for all!
If you’re curious to see what students in previous years have created, check out the 2024 and 2023 game jam archives.
Interested in joining or supporting future events? Connect with the ANU Computer Science Students Association and ANU Artifex, or follow them on Instagram @anucssa and @artifexanu.