Build a playable Christmas arcade game in 72 hours using Turbo, the modern 2D game engine built for speed. Solo or team up. No experience required—just bring your love for pixels, chiptunes, and holiday spirit.
The Neuro Nostalgia saga continues: From 90s web design to arcade classics
The Retro Christmas Arcade 2025
INSERT COIN TO JOIN
Neuro Nostalgia 2025
CHRISTMAS IS GOING RETRO
PRESS START:
Build a playable Christmas arcade game in 72 hours using Turbo, the modern 2D game engine built for speed. Solo or team up. No experience required—just bring your love for pixels, chiptunes, and holiday spirit.
TL;DR
Total Prize Pool: $2,500
Build a Christmas-themed 2D arcade game using Turbo in 72 hours (Dec 19−20, 2025). Retro aesthetics: pixel art, chiptunes, classic gameplay. Solo or teams of 2−4.

Prizes: $ 1,000 / $ 300 / $ 200 + $ 500 Community Choice + $ 500 Category Awards ($ 100 each). Pre-hackathon workshop Dec 18. Turbo Support Available all weekend.
THE NEURO NOSTALGIA SAGA CONTINUES
Requirements:
Christmas Theme Examples: 🎅 Traditional: Santa delivering presents, snowball fights 🚀 Sci-Fi: Santa in space, robot elves, cyberpunk Christmas 👹 Dark: Krampus survival, evil snowmen, Christmas apocalypse 🎁 Abstract: Holiday emotions as mechanics 🎵 Musical: Rhythm-based Christmas carols
Arcade Game Types: Platformers • Shooters • Puzzle Games • Fighting Games • Racing • Beat-em-ups • Any genre with arcade DNA (high scores, lives, progressive difficulty)
  • Use Turbo game engine (provided by our sponsor)
  • Christmas theme (traditional, sci-fi, horror—anything goes!)
  • Playable in web browser
  • Clear arcade-style gameplay (quick to learn, challenging to master)
  • Built entirely during Dec 19-22, 2025
Create a fully playable Christmas-themed 2D arcade game with 90s gaming spirit.
Why Turbo Is Perfect for Arcade Games:
MEET OUR SPONSOR:
Turbo is a new open-source game engine designed to make games fast! Our Rust-based SDK provides all the functionality you need to quickly turn your ideas into playable prototypes.
Turbo
  • Lightning-Fast Development
    • Live hot-reload: See changes instantly
    • Command-line based: Skip bloated UIs
    • AI-assisted: Built-in GPT integration
    • Template-driven: Start with working examples
  • Built for Retro Aesthetics
    • Low-res sprite rendering
    • Pixel-perfect graphics
    • 60fps performance (Rust-powered)
    • Simplified shader coding for visual polish
  • One-Command Web Publishing
    • turbo export gives you a small web build
    • WebAssembly output runs everywhere
    • No configuration needed
    • Upload to any hosting platform and get a shareable URL
  • Multiplayer Made Easy
    • Built-in networking
    • Global server infrastructure
    • Leaderboards included
    • Real-time multiplayer support
Turbo’s Commitment: As our sponsor, Turbo provides the engine, training, 72-hour support, hosting infrastructure, and post-hackathon showcase opportunities. They’re not just funding prizes—they're empowering you to build something amazing.
Learning Resources:
  • Documentation: docs.turbo.computer
  • Workshop: Dec 18 — "Build Your First Arcade Game"
  • AI Assistant: 24/7 Turbo GPT
  • Support Team: Core developers on Discord
  • Examples: github.com/super-turbo-society
  • Install: curl -sSfL turbo.computer/install.sh | sh
THE RULES
Mandatory:
✅ Must use Turbo engine (sponsor requirement)
✅ Must have an identifiable Christmas theme
✅ Must be playable in browser
✅ All work during 72-hour window (Dec 19 @ 18:00 UTC - Dec 22 @ 18:00 UTC)
✅ Submit on time with source code
GameJam
Teams:
Prizes split as team decides
Find teammates in Discord #team-matching
Solo or up to 4 people
Assets:
✅ Code must be original
✅ Art/audio can be pre-existing (credit required)
✅ AI-generated assets allowed
❌ No stolen copyrighted content, please!
  • Allowed Before Dec 19:
    • Learn Turbo
    • Brainstorm ideas
    • Gather/create assets
    • Form teams
  • Not Allowed Before Dec 19:
    • Writing game code
    • Building mechanics
    • Creating levels
Quality over quantity—nail one challenge rather than rushing through several.
Boost your score with these optional challenges:
(Optional)
BONUS CHALLENGES
🎵 Chiptune Christmas Carol: Original retro audio and sound effects
🏆 High Score Hero: Addictive scoring systems with multipliers
👥 Co-op Christmas: Multiplayer features (2−4 players)
🎮 Genre Bender: Creative genre combinations
👹 Boss Battle Bonanza: Multi-phase Christmas boss fight
🔄 Endless Mode Master: Procedurally generated infinite gameplay
💰 Quarter Muncher: Perfect arcade difficulty balance
🎨 Pixel-Perfect Present: Authentic 8-bit/16-bit art with period-accurate palettes
Bonus
PRIZES
$2,500 TOTAL
$500
Community
WINNER
Plus: Get recognition from the community. Certificate!
$200
Rising Star
Plus: Certificate!
$300
Master Developer
Plus: Feature on Turbo's event website! Certificates!
$1,000
Grand Champion
Plus: Feature on Turbo’s event website, mention in press-release. Certificates!
Winners announced early-2026 — fast payment via many providers from Wire to Crypto.
Category awards are separate from main prizes—you can win both!
CATEGORY EXCELLENCE AWARDS
🕹️ Best Arcade Authenticity - $100
🎮 Best Gameplay & Fun Factor - $100
💻 Best Technical Execution - $100
🎄 Best Christmas Theme - $100
✨ Most Innovative & Creative - $100
Best in each evaluation category:
$100 x 5
TIMELINE
Dec 18, 2025
@ 18:00 UTC
Dec 18, 2025
@ 18:00 UTC
🎓 Pre-Hackathon Workshop:
“Turbo 101: Build Your First Arcade Game”
📝 Registration Opens
Dec 19, 2025
@ 18:00 UTC
Dec 19, 2025
@ 18:00 UTC
🚀 Hackathon Begins
Start of the official 72-hour competition
Dec 19–22, 2025
Dec 19–22, 2025
💻 Development Period
Daily office hours: 10:00–12:00 & 20:00–22:00 UTC
Dec 22, 2025
@ 18:00 UTC
Dec 22, 2025
@ 18:00 UTC
🏁 Submission Deadline
Dec 22-31, 2025
Dec 22-31, 2025
⚖️ Judging Period
Jan 05, 2026
@ 12:00 UTC
Jan 05, 2026
@ 12:00 UTC
🎊 Main Winners + Category Awards Announced
Jan 05–12, 2026
Jan 05–12, 2026
🗳️ Community Voting Period
Jan 13, 2026
@ 12:00 UTC
Jan 13, 2026
@ 12:00 UTC
👑 Community Choice Winner Announced
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Evaluation
WEIGHT SYSTEM
🕹️ Arcade Authenticity
25 pts
Authentic pixel art, chiptune audio, responsive controls, retro presentation, nostalgic factor
🎮 Gameplay & Fun Factor
30 pts
Core loop engagement, intuitive controls, difficulty balance, replayability—highest weighted category
💻 Technical Execution
25 pts
Stability, performance, smoothness, and effective use of Turbo. Source code not reviewed.
🎄 Christmas Theme Integration
10 pts
Theme clarity, creative interpretation, thematic consistency, originality
✨ Innovation &
Creativity
10 pts
Unique mechanics, genre creativity, artistic vision, risk-taking, memorable moments
Category Excellence Awards:
The top-scoring submission in each category wins $ 100 (separate from main prizes).
Meet the expert panel of designers, developers, and creators evaluating every game for creativity, technical mastery, and authentic arcade spirit.
Main Jury
Experts
COMMUNITY & SUPPORT
Channels: #announcements, #team-matching, #tech-support
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xfYPDZYqeh
contact
Turbo
Game-Engine
Website: turbo.computer
Docs: docs.turbo.computer
GitHub: github.com/super-turbo-society
Twitter: @makegamesfast
Hackathon Raptors:
Website: neuronostalgia.com/2026
Twitter: @raptors_hack
Email: hello@raptors.dev
Meet the Jury
A global panel of game designers, developers, and artists from leading studios across six countries — united by their passion for creativity, innovation, and the spirit of retro gaming.
Russia | Sberbank
Roman Seleznev
Senior systems analyst focused on software architecture, algorithmic innovation, and AI integration in large-scale financial systems.
View Profile
Hungary | Growe
Serhii Yakhin
Software engineering leader with 10+ years in cloud-native and distributed systems, specializing in scalable .NET architectures and high-performance platforms.
View Profile
USA
Oleg Safranov
Lead product designer with 15+ years' experience, founder and mentor specializing in design systems, AI-driven UX, and 0→1 product launches.
View Profile
USA | Excellarion Solutions
Nikita Letov
Software engineer and technical lead with 10+ years in scalable system design, CTO at Excellarion Solutions, expert in Java, Spring, and performance optimization.
View Profile
United Kingdom | Meta
Aliaksei Yahorau
Senior software engineer at Meta Reality Labs with expertise in C++, Unreal Engine, and large-scale multiplayer systems, focused on performance, scalability, and player experience.
View Profile
USA
Sergii Demianchuk
Senior software engineering leader at Cisco with 16+ years in application and cybersecurity, contributing to OASIS standards and advancing SBOM and vulnerability management.
View Profile
United Kingdom | Meta
Sergey Sidorov
Software engineer and technical leader at Meta with 7+ years of experience building planet-scale infrastructure powering Ads, WhatsApp, and Threads.
View Profile
USA
Dr. Aryendra Dalal
Cybersecurity expert with 24+ years in AI, cloud, and application security, holding a Doctor of Science in IT and multiple top industry certifications including CISSP and PMP.
View Profile
Poland
Dmytro Verner
Senior software engineer focused on Java, AWS, and Big Data, building scalable and cost-efficient systems with predictive analytics.
View Profile
USA
Sathiya Veluswamy
Technical leader at Amazon with 17+ years in scalable systems and microservices, specializing in performance optimization and large-scale web architectures.
View Profile
USA | CVS Health Inc
Karthik Govardhanan
Director Principal Engineer at CVS Health with expertise in AI, machine learning, and interactive design, focused on innovation and creativity in gameplay experiences.
View Profile
USA
Maneesh Singh
IT leader with 20+ years of experience in technology strategy, cloud, and DevOps, directing large-scale development and infrastructure programs.
View Profile
USA
Ramprakash Kalapala
Senior Cloud Solution Architect with deep expertise in AWS and Azure, leading large-scale cloud migrations and DevOps automation to deliver scalable, cost-efficient, and AI-driven infrastructure solutions.
View Profile
USA
Niruta Talwekar
Data engineer specializing in applied AI, risk metrics, and ethical AI, with experience judging NASA Space Apps, Webby Awards, and IEEE events.
View Profile
USA
Manish Mishra
Technology leader with 18+ years in cloud, cybersecurity, and automation, specializing in scalable architectures and data protection through generative AI.
View Profile
USA
Oreoluwa Omoike
Site Reliability and DevOps Engineer with 8+ years of experience optimizing AWS infrastructure, reducing costs, and improving system performance and visibility.
View Profile
USA | RealSelf
Ingyu Woo
Senior software engineer with 7+ years in scalable systems, cloud infrastructure, and AI-driven web solutions focused on performance and real-world impact.
View Profile
USA
Suprakash Dutta
Senior Solutions Architect at AWS specializing in cloud-native retail systems, generative AI, and large-scale modernization for Fortune 500 enterprises.
View Profile
KEY FAQ
F.A.Q.
ABOUT US
Hackathon Raptors: Non-profit organizing inclusive hackathons for community, learning, and fun. UK C.I.C. 15 557 917.
Turbo (Our Sponsor): NYC startup building the future of 2D game development. Mission: make game creation accessible by eliminating complexity and maximizing speed.
Previous Events:
CODE OF CONDUCT
Violations result in disqualification. Report to: hello@raptors.dev
Unacceptable: discrimination, bullying, plagiarism, inappropriate content.
Expected: Be respectful, supportive, collaborative, constructive, and honest.
READY TO PRESS START?
Next Steps:
  1. Join Discord
  2. Add Dec 18 for the workshop to your calendar
  3. Form your team
  4. Install Turbo
  5. Be fully ready before Dec 19
  6. Build Dec 19-22
VIEW NEURO NOSTALGIA 2025
LEARN TURBO
JOIN DISCORD
Launch
The Retro Christmas Arcade 2026
Privacy Policy and Data Collection
Sponsored by Turbo Game Engine © 2026
Organized by Hackathon Raptors
Where holiday magic meets arcade legends
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