SGS&C Challenge FAQs
Still confused or have more questions? Please take the time to consult our FAQ. If your question is not answered or you need more clarification, do not hesitate to ask by emailing SGSChallenge@gmail.com for Help and Support.
When can I submit my game?
The submission window for the 2023 Serious Games Showcase & Challenge opens June 15, 2023. All games must be submitted in this window to be eligible for the 2023 Challenge.
I have sent in my entry form, signed rules, screen shots, logo, and video. What else do you need for my entry?
We need a working, playable version of your game. We evaluate each game by actually playing it, so a video or storyboard is not sufficient. Beta versions or single levels of a planned multi-level game are acceptable, but we must be able to evaluate the actual gameplay. Also, if there is not a tutorial or stated objective included in the game, please provide basic instructions on gameplay and goals/objectives, including supporting material if any specialized knowledge or procedures are required and not embedded in the game.
My game won’t be ready until I/ITSEC in December. Can I still submit this year?
We need a working, playable version of the game submitted by the end of the submission period in September. Due to the large number of high quality entries we receive, we can’t put every game on the floor at I/ITSEC, and we need to see a playable version for our finalist selection process, which starts in early October after the submission window closes. Finalists are given an opportunity to update their game for evaluators and can bring an updated version to the I/ITSEC event to display.
Can I submit my game if it is a mod of another game?
Serious Games Showcase & Challenge does not support “modded” games. Only original creations are allowed.
My game requires a special controller or a security dongle to play properly. Is this acceptable?
Yes, you can still submit. You must provide ONE piece of specialized hardware (controller, security dongle, etc.) by the end of submission period, and be prepared to provide TEN pieces of hardware by mid-October if you are selected as a finalist.
I am a middle school student with a serious game. Can I submit in the Student Category?
Entrants must be individuals or teams comprised solely of individuals who will be 12 years of age on or before the first day of the I/ITSEC conference. Entrants under the age of 18 must include their parent or legal guardian on the entry form as part of their development team and identify them as such. If you will not be meet the age requirement this year, you will still be able to submit in a future year as long as you were a student in the academic year prior to your submittal.
I’ve developed a great game editor geared towards creating serious games. Is this a valid submission?
An entry that is purely a game editor will not be evaluated since our criteria are primarily based on playing the submitted game and the associated learning/training objectives. Games that include an editor or mission creation feature are fine, as long as the existing game is primary submission.
I can’t travel to I/ITSEC if I am selected as a finalist. Is this ok?
It is a requirement to travel to attend I/ITSEC in person or provide a proxy to display your game on the show floor.
Can I submit my game if it contains For Official Use Only (FOUO) or Classified material?
Please note that there will be international evaluators and international attendees at I/ITSEC. It is your responsibility to ensure that any version of the game you submit and potentially display at I/ITSEC meets all security requirements to be shown to a general, international audience.
I am a foreign national with a serious game. Can I enter?
International entries are highly encouraged. If your game is played primarily in a language other than English, you will be required to provide enough translated material for our evaluators to adequately play and evaluate your game.
Is there a cost or entrance fee involved with participating in the challenge?
There is a non-refundable application fee that must be submitted in conjunction with the entry form in order for the entry to be officially entered. The application fee may be paid by credit card using the link found on the Submissions page. THE APPLICATION FEE IS WAIVED FOR ENTRANTS REGISTERING UNDER THE STUDENT AND GOVERNMENT CATEGORIES AS DEFINED IN THE RULES.
What is I/ITSEC and where can I learn more about the conference?
The Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) promotes cooperation among the Armed Services, industry, academia, and various government agencies in pursuit of improved training and education programs, identification of common training issues, and development of multi-service programs. To learn more about the conference and its details, please visit their website at: http://www.iitsec.org/
Where is the I/ITSEC convention held?
I/ITSEC is held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. To learn more about the area please refer to The OCCC website.