About the challenge

Create a Minecraft mod that enhances gameplay, creativity, or collaboration using code, assets, and mechanics of your choice. The goal is to show technical creativity and design a mod that provides players with a fun, functional, and unique experience—either educational, community-driven, or just plain entertaining.

Objective: Build a fully working Minecraft mod by the end of the hackathon that demonstrates innovation, solid code structure, and good design principles. Whether it’s new gameplay mechanics, automation tools, mini-games, or campus-themed builds, the focus is on creativity and polish.

Get started

  • Pick your focus area: gameplay enhancement, automation, visuals, education, or multiplayer.

  • Set up your dev environment: use Minecraft Forge, Fabric, or Spigot (1.21.x recommended). Install Java JDK, Gradle, and your preferred IDE (e.g., IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse).

  • Plan your mod:

    • Define one core mechanic (e.g., new tool, entity, or system).

    • Sketch basic UI or interaction.

    • List resources needed (textures, sounds, models).

  • Start small, iterate fast:

    • Implement the smallest working feature first.

    • Add polish (textures, particles, recipes, etc.) later.

  • Playtest regularly – run your mod in a dev world, note bugs and tweaks.

  • Prepare your demo – a short 2–3 min video that clearly shows what your mod does and why it’s cool.

Requirements

What to Build

A. UTD Survival+ Mod
Adds campus‑inspired biomes, mobs, or tools (e.g., “Comet Ore,” “ATEC Dimension,” “Hackathon Badge”).

B. Automation & Engineering Mod
Create redstone‑like logic systems, pipes, or factory machines that automate crafting or logistics.

C. Educational Mod
Integrate coding, math, or sustainability lessons into Minecraft through NPCs or quests.

D. Multiplayer Minigame
Design a competitive or cooperative minigame (e.g., parkour race, capture the flag, team puzzle challenge).

E. Open Track
Any mod that demonstrates creativity, solid design, and fun gameplay.

What to Submit

1) Demo video (2–3 min): Show mod in action — highlight unique mechanics and user experience.

2) GitHub repository: Include source code and a README with:

  • Mod name and description

  • Setup/build instructions

  • Minecraft + Forge/Fabric version

  • Features implemented

  • Known bugs or limitations

3) Build files: .jar file that can be loaded into Minecraft.

4) Screenshots or concept art: Show your creative process and the mod in use.

5) Team info: team name, members, roles, and who contributed what.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

2 non-cash prizes
Free Position of your Choice in Minecraft Club + Access to the Discord Chat
1 winner

Prize for Winner

Free Position of your Choice in Minecraft Club
1 winner

Prize for Runner Up

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Aryaman Tomer

Aryaman Tomer

Judging Criteria

  • Creativity
    30% Novelty and uniqueness of the idea.
  • Technical Execution
    25% Stability, code quality, and use of mod APIs.
  • Gameplay
    25% Player experience, fun factor, and balance.
  • Presentation & Documentation
    15% Clarity of demo, README, and polish.
  • Relevance to Theme
    5% Fit with UTD or Minecraft educational goals.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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