Industry Panel
Developers from AAA studios sit down with students and the public for a live panel discussion. The 2026 lineup includes professionals from Epic Games, Blizzard, Final Strike MDC, representing roles across game design, animation, UX, and pipeline development.
This is a chance for students to ask real questions about the industry from people who do the work every day. Open to all attendees on Sunday.
Career & College Expo
Representatives from colleges, universities, and industry partners set up on the expo floor Sunday. Students and families can explore programs, talk to working professionals, and connect with opportunities in game development, 3D art, engineering, and related fields.
Whether a student is planning their next four years or just curious about where these skills lead, the expo puts the options and the people in one room.
GAME DESIGN COMPETITION
Small teams of 2-3 high school students have two days to conceptualize, design, and build a video game from scratch in Unreal Engine 5.5. No internet, no outside assets, no outside code.
Just the team, the tools, and the clock.
A panel of industry developers evaluates each game on mechanics, art, narrative, and technical execution. Teams compete for awards including Best in Show, Mechanical Mastery, and Artistic Vision.
3D Modeling COMPETITION
Individual high school students design and animate a 3D model based on an announced theme, working remotely and submitting before the event. All work is original and built from scratch during the competition window.
A panel of industry professionals evaluates entries on theme integration, technical skill, texturing, lighting, and animation. Finished pieces are showcased at the Sunday expo, where winners are recognized alongside the game design competitors.