Bridging Heritage and Innovation: AUK Team Secures Third Place in Game Jam Challenge

Students and alumni from the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) secured third place in the National Game Jam Challenge, competing against 14 teams and over 60 participants.

The Game Jam Challenge is a high-pressure, creative competition where teams must develop a game from scratch based on a specific theme, all within a 48-hour window. The event is designed to encourage innovation, teamwork, and technical prowess, offering a platform for aspiring game developers to demonstrate their skills.

AUK’s team included information systems students, Joanna Saedawi and Malak Alsabt; David Liang, a teaching assistant in computer science and graduate; and Talal Al-Failakawi, a computer science graduate.

Their winning entry, "Kuwait Legacy Quest," is an inventive game that immerses players in Kuwait’s traditional way of life through a series of engaging minigames. As players craft essential items for daily life, they gradually contribute to the development of modern Kuwait, effectively connecting the past with the present. This game not only honors Kuwaiti heritage but also serves as a bridge to connect future generations with the rich history and skills that shaped the nation.

Dr. Ali Roumani, assistant professor in computer science, emphasized the importance of these challenges, “Such computing and technology competitions are very important in complementing students' academic education with hands-on technical and liberal arts experiences, as they encourage students’ creativity and innovation, enhancing their programming, design, and problem-solving abilities. It also trains students to identify market potential by evaluating their created games for commercial viability and potential for further development.” 

AUK’s students and alumni showcased the University's commitment to fostering creativity, excellence, and innovation through their success. Their winning game, a tribute to Kuwaiti heritage, beautifully illustrates how AUK talent seamlessly blends tradition with modern innovation.
  
 
  

AUK’s team