The GameOn TON Global Gaming Hackathon is in full swing, marking one of the largest gaming hackathons in the blockchain space, running from September to December 2024. Co hosted by key players like AEON, The Open Network (TON) Foundation, Nomad Capital, and several notable partners, the event boasts an impressive $6 million prize pool. Today, October 15, 2024, participants are gearing up for upcoming deadlines and events, as the competition heats up across the globe.
The GameOn TON Global Gaming Hackathon brings together developers, gaming enthusiasts, and blockchain innovators with a focus on developing web3 games on the TON blockchain. The hackathon combines both virtual and in-person experiences, aiming to boost a global gaming community. Cities like Singapore and Dubai are hosting key events throughout the hackathon.
This event encourages participants to build projects using TON’s technology and AEON’s crypto-payment protocol, with the ultimate goal of driving mass adoption of blockchain gaming.
Key Dates & Timeline
The hackathon combines both virtual and offline experiences. Here’s a breakdown of the major milestones:
- November 1, 2024: Developer Workshop (Dubai)
- November 14, 2024: Last Day of Registration
- November 18, 2024: Last Day for Submissions
- November 23, 2024: Announcement of 100 Semi-Finalists
- December 4, 2024: Announcement of 20 Finalists
- December 13, 2024: Demo Day & Winner Announcement followed by a closing party in Dubai
Participants will be competing for cash prizes, grants, and investment opportunities, with special workshops and sessions designed to accelerate the development of Web3 gaming applications.
Prizes and Rewards
With a total of $6 million in prizes, participants stand to win significant amounts across various categories. The grand prize breakdown is as follows:
- 1st Place (Grand Champion): $500,000
- 2nd Place (Platinum Game Master): $100,000
- 3rd Place (Gold Leader): $60,000
- Excellence Awards (4th-10th): $140,000 ($20,000 each)
- Honorable Awards (11th-20th): $100,000 ($10,000 each)
- Star Performer Awards: $100,000, distributed to 10 individuals who demonstrate exceptional performance
In addition to monetary rewards, participants can access boot camps for game development and art design led by Winking Studios. Top-tier exchanges and investment funds will also offer investment opportunities and business support for standout projects.
Judging Criteria
The hackathon’s judges will evaluate projects based on three main areas:
- Concept & Feasibility: Does the project have a clear value proposition? How does it stand out in the market, and is it designed for long-term success?
- Project Design: How well does the project utilize TON technology and AEON’s payment protocol? Is the architecture scalable?
- Implementation: Is the project well-executed? Does it meet the goals of the hackathon, and is it user-friendly?
Submission Requirements
Participants must build a fully functional Telegram Mini App that uses AEON’s crypto-payment protocol for in-game transactions. Projects should be designed from scratch, and the code must be open-sourced after the final submission.
Teams are encouraged to submit supplementary materials like slides or demo videos to showcase their projects more effectively.
Who Can Apply?
The hackathon is open to developers, gaming teams, and organizations of all kinds. Participants must be of legal age in their respective countries, and both individuals and teams are eligible. Even teams affiliated with co-host organizations can participate.
- AEON: A modular payment protocol designed to standardize crypto payments, offering low-cost, secure processing. AEON aims to create an accessible crypto payment infrastructure similar to traditional payment systems like Visa.
- TON Foundation: Established in Switzerland, the TON Foundation is a non-profit organization funded by community contributions. It supports decentralized web3 projects to advance the Open Network’s mission.
- Nomad Capital: An investment firm focused on scaling blockchain projects by providing hands-on support.
What’s Next?
As we move further into October, the Dev Workshop in Dubai on November 1, 2024, will be a critical opportunity for participants to engage with developers and refine their projects ahead of the final submission deadline. The announcement of the 100 semi-finalists on November 23 will be followed by the finalist announcement on December 4. The top projects will then compete on Demo Day in Dubai, where the ultimate winners will be announced.
