Getting Started

Welcome to VelociCode—the prehistoric programming showdown where only the most adaptable coders survive. Whether you're a solo dev or part of a full-stack dino squad, you're here to build, hunt bugs, and evolve your idea into a working game or app by the end of the event.

Here’s how to get your claws dirty:

  1. Register for the event.
    Sign up with your team (or solo!) on this page. You’ll get updates, access to resources, and the final submission portal.

  2. Choose your tools.
    Any engine, language, or platform is fair game—as long as your project runs and can be judged. Go full Unity, web-based, Python script, Godot… we don’t discriminate between herbivores and carnivores.

  3. Start brainstorming.
    The theme will be revealed on June 1st @1:00 PM, and from there, you’ll have until the deadline to bring your idea to life.

  4. Join the community.
    We’ll have an optional Discord server to team up, share progress, ask questions, and exchange fossil facts.

  5. Submit before extinction.
    Final deadline is June 27th @ 11:59 PM. Don’t go extinct waiting until the last second.

About the Challenge

VelociCode is a month-long hackathon for developers, designers, and creatives who want to build something awesome, have fun, and lean into a delightfully ridiculous dino theme.

This year’s challenge?
Will be announced LIVE online and during the kickoff at June 1st @1:00 PM.

 

Whether you’re here to go full Jurassic or just build something dope in a supportive environment, you’re in the right place.

Requirements

What to Build

Your mission, should you choose to accept it (and you have), is to build a game, tool, or interactive experience that connects to the official VelociCode theme, EGG. What does "egg" mean? It can mean anything from the shape, to the concept to even the plot of what an egg is! As long as you communicate that during presentations, you're golden.

What you build is up to you—but it must:

  • Be started after the theme is announced

  • Involve code (no slideshows or pre-made projects)

  • Be playable, runnable, or demonstrable by the time of submission

You can use any tech stack, engine, or framework you like—Unity, Godot, web apps, Python scripts, or something entirely prehistoric. Innovation is encouraged!

What to Submit

Your final submission must include the following:

  1. Project Title and Short Description
    Give your project a name and a one- to two-sentence summary of what it does.

  2. Detailed Project Description
    Write a brief explanation (1–3 paragraphs) covering:

    • What your project is and what it does

    • How it relates to the VelociCode theme

    • What tools/tech you used and any standout features

    • What you'd do with more time

    Pro tip: A clear write-up can help tip the scales if judges are deciding between finalists. Take a little extra time here!

  3. Live Demo or Video Walkthrough
    Include at least one of the following:

    • A hosted web app or downloadable build

    • A screen-recorded walkthrough of the project in action

  4. Required: Link to Source Code
    Upload your source code to GitHub or another public repo platform and share the link. Judges will review this as part of the scoring process.

  5. Screenshots or GIFs
    Give us a glimpse of your work with visuals—whether it's gameplay, UI, or the moment your code finally worked.

  6. Team Info
    List the names of everyone on your team (up to four members max), plus your team name if you have one.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$190 in prizes
1st
$60 in cash
1 winner

- Cash Value
- 12-month TechBloc Membership

2nd
$50 in cash
1 winner

- Cash Value
- 12-month TechBloc Membership

Theme Utilization
$40 in cash
1 winner

Crowd Favorite
$40 in cash
1 winner

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Gene Tigner

Gene Tigner
Software Engineer

Cameron Dylan

Cameron Dylan

Ansley Partosa

Ansley Partosa
Head of Greater Gaming Society

Zaquariah Holland

Zaquariah Holland
Chair of ACM San Antonio

Judging Criteria

  • Creativity
    Is the idea unique or imaginative? Does it feel fresh or unexpected?
  • Execution
    How well was the project implemented given the scope and time?
  • Theme Utilization
    Based on the announced theme, how well was it incorporated into the project?
  • Technical Skill
    Are there impressive mechanics, clever code, or complex systems under the hood?
  • Presentation
    Is the project page well put together? Screenshots, descriptions, and clarity help a lot.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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