Hackathon Gamestorm: 100 challenges in one week

100 students. 100 challenges. 5 days. Could it be done? MICA and Brain Fuel decided to find out with the Gamestorm Hackathon.

During the Gamestorm, over 100 creative students tackled 100 media challenges submitted by freelancers, startups, corporates, NGOs, and government organizations. From logos to slogans, storyboards to campaign ideas—everything you can imagine.

How does the Gamestorm hackathon work?

To tackle such a huge number of challenges in such a tiny number of days, some serious action is required. Like… gaming, for example.

Yep, each team could rack up points throughout the week: video game high-score style. By weaving gamification elements into the week, our mix of university (HBO) and vocational (MBO) students was motivated to work harder (and have more fun) than ever. And we mixed things up on every level.

On Monday, teams were formed using the five Brain Fuel archetypes:

1. The creative but unfocused Wizard
2. The strategic but controlling Captain
3. The sharp but judgmental Judge
4. The caring but sometimes too sociable Medic
5. The intelligent but hesitant Scientist

And that highscore system? It literally showed up everywhere. In the morning, points could be earned for working hard. Tried out new techniques? Point! Came up with world-changing solutions? Point! Helped another team out of a jam? Point!

In the afternoons, teams could compete against each other in challenge matches. From classic arcade games like Street Fighter II and Pacman, to physical games like Just Dance and laser tag. And the most popular game of all: hunting for eggs throughout the MICA building. The best teams earned the most points.

Each team had a large sticker poster where the coaches could track their points. The teams with the best results (and the teams with the most points) win prizes. But there are no losers: every participant goes home with a diploma.

This is what a day at Gamestorm looks like

All participants who crossed the finish line received a Media Innovation Basic Skills diploma (named after co-organizer MICA).

Because in such an intense week, students might learn as much as they would in an entire year: about design thinking, collaboration, working with clients, and specific skills like storytelling, artificial intelligence, and concept development.

Every day kicked off with a workshop led by an entrepreneur. Not the kind where someone in a three-piece suit talks about how their company became successful, but someone who’s close to the target audience and teaches a practical skill they can apply immediately.

And as soon as the teams started tackling one of the 100 challenges, they were immediately guided by a coach. Sometimes the coaches were just handing out encouragement, but other times a little tough love was needed.

All of this was aimed at driving toward the final results:

1. 100 business challenges solved.
2. 100 students with an extra certificate in their pocket.
3. An experience the participants will remember for the rest of their lives.
4. And last but not least: proof that educational innovation doesn’t have to be complicated. You just have to do it.

I also want a Gamestorm

We can shake hands on this, because we want another hackathon too. There are few things as fun and effective as learning through play, creating through play, and achieving results. Send an email to info@brainfuel.nl or call +31 (0)58 203 80 33.

Wanna know more?

Do you have a problem? We’d love to turn you into a problem solver! Send an email to info@brainfuel.nl or call +31 (0)58 203 80 33. and we’ll help you find a solution