NSF game design competition asks K-12 students to imagine ‘Life in 2100’

A new video game design competition with $100,000 in prize money up for grabs challenges K-12 students to combine technology and imagination.

Launched last week by the US National Science Foundation (NSF), the contest invites students to ponder what the world might look like 75 years into the future, basing their games on the theme “Life in 2100.”

It’s a nod to the agency’s milestone 75th anniversary celebration, in which students will compete to win up to $7,500 in various prize categories and have their games featured. An additional prize can also go to mentors, teachers or parents/guardians who said teams in application and game development.

Best-in-class awards ($5,000 per category) acknowledge various aspects of game development, including:

• Best educational game.
• Best STEM discovery.
• Best technical skill.
• Best storytelling.
• Best art and design.
• Best K–6 game award.

Merit awards ($2,500 x 20 total prizes) honor exceptional overall quality and innovation in video game development. Mentor support awards ($1,000 x 20 total prizes) honor mentors, teachers or parents who aid teams in application and video game development. 

The journey to “Life in 2100” begins now. Students have until 5 p.m. EST on Jan. 31, 2025. Details online at the NSF Game Maker Awards website.  

“The NSF Game Maker Awards challenge young minds to unleash creativity and sharpen technical skills while exploring STEM concepts,” said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. “By sparking their imagination and interest for STEM at an early age, we aim to nurture future innovators who will drive scientific and technological advancements.”

The NSF Game Maker Awards for K-12 is a call to action for students across the nation to dive into the world of game design and STEM, to think critically and creatively about the future and contribute unique perspectives to the ongoing dialogue about our planet’s trajectory. Through this challenge, the NSF hopes to nurture the next generation of scientists, engineers and game designers who will lead us into a bright and innovative future. 

NSF will team with non-profits, industry partners and community organizations to create a robust support system that improves access to resources and promotes collaborative learning.  

The competition encourages students to explore NSF-supported research areas, including sustainable ecosystems, futuristic cities and advanced medical technology.  

NSF Game Maker Award winners will be invited to a special in-person event to showcase their games, connect with fellow innovators and meet industry leaders in gaming and STEM fields.  

For more information, visit NSF Game Maker Awards.