Stop playing games. Start building them.
The largest game-specific K-12 contest in the United States, running since 2018. Hundreds of young developers showcase their creativity and coding skills every year.
Enter individually or with a team of up to 3. Build something amazing and compete for awards across four age divisions.
From 80 participants in California to thousands of student developers worldwide.
8 Years of ExcellenceFinalists join and get assigned to breakout rooms.
Live online demos and judge evaluations.
Judges deliberate. Winners announced online and by email.
Must be enrolled in grades K-12. Divisions: K-3, 4-6, 7-8, and 9-12. Team division is set by the highest grade.
One entry per year. Teams up to 3 members. Team projects face higher expectations.
Join via live Zoom to demo your game and code. Judges will ask questions.
Students must be supervised by a parent, teacher, or authorized adult.
Complete the online registration (student or parent/guardian).
Include a project summary. One summary per team is sufficient.
Submit a 2-minute YouTube video demoing your project (public URL).
Your project must be a coding project with a creative or game-inspired element — a playable game, interactive experience, simulation, or any fun technical program.
Projects can build on existing ideas but must include your own original work. Tutorial-only projects are not accepted.
$20 application fee (non-refundable). Deadline: 11:59 PM PST, April 5, 2026.
Top 1% — Exceptional execution and creativity
Top 3% — Outstanding innovation
Top 5% — Superior design
Top 10% — Notable achievement
Outstanding creativity and game mechanics
Exceptional collaboration
Unique and impactful concepts
Awards presented within each age division
Boost your college applications with recognized achievements.
Present to professionals and get real feedback.
Sharpen problem-solving, creativity, and coding.
Apply CS concepts to a real-world project.
Learn from judges who evaluate creativity, tech, and design.
Past participants landed internships, scholarships, and tech careers.
Educational astronomy game with interactive puzzles.
1st Place 2025Strategy game about environmental challenges.
1st Place 2025Puzzle game based on quantum physics.
1st Place 2025"GameGala gave me confidence to pursue game development. The judge feedback was incredibly valuable."
— Emma L., 8th Grade Winner
"GameGala opened doors to internships and connected me with industry mentors. Life-changing."
— Jason T., 11th Grade Winner
Launched with 80 participants in California
Expanded to 15 countries, 350+ submissions
Went fully virtual during the pandemic
Largest K-12 game competition in the US
Surpassed 2,500 total submissions
New categories and bigger prizes