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Discord App Pitches 2024
Beep boop. Brring brring. What’s that? Oh, just the sound of us calling all devs to create the next big game on Discord. Enter your ideas for a chance to win up to USD 30,000, personal office hours, and other fun surprises.
Don’t sleep, the deadline is May 1.
How to Pitch
Submit as many ideas as you want across our 5 categories.
Check out our pitch form for guidance on submitting a great pitch and our judging criteria for some insight on how winners are chosen.
Ready to get building?
Read about the Embedded App SDK here.
Read about the Embedded App SDK here.
Submissions Period
Starts: Apr 1, 2024
Ends: May 1, 2024
Judges Announce Category Winners
Jun 27, 2024
User Voting Period
Starts: Jun 27, 2024
Ends: Jul 11, 2024
Judges Announce Finalists
Jul 15, 2024
User Voting Period
From June 27-July 11, you can help crown the Grand Prize winner!
Play and vote for your favorite game from a shortlist of category winners in Discord’s Town Hall server.
Read more about the final judging process in the terms and conditions.
Play and vote for your favorite game from a shortlist of category winners in Discord’s Town Hall server.
Read more about the final judging process in the terms and conditions.
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Judges
Say hello to the official judges for App Pitches 2024!
Ann-Marie Harbour
Director of Game Development
Discord
Discord
Ann-Marie Harbour
Director of Game Development
Discord
Discord
As Discord's Director of Game Development, I've spent the last three years immersed in Discord Activities. I'm thrilled to judge and see all the fun, creative ideas developers are passionate about creating. Love games that spark laughter and connection.
Emil Kjæhr
Head Of Product & Partners
Funday Games
Funday Games
Emil Kjæhr
Head Of Product & Partners
Funday Games
Funday Games
With over a decade in game development and pitching, I've judged in game jams and hackathons since 2007. I'm excited to see how devs will use Discord's tools to create the extraordinary. Off-duty, I'm adventuring in games with my kids and loving every second of it.
Graeme Devine
Video Game Designer
QXR Studios
QXR Studios
Graeme Devine
Video Game Designer
QXR Studios
QXR Studios
As a Video Game Designer at QXR Studios and a lecturer at UCSC, I've been immersed in game design since the '80s. I'm thrilled to judge and see upcoming designers innovate, especially in communication and community. Big fan of sandbox games that let players craft their own stories
Dustin Clingman
Product Manager
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Dustin Clingman
Product Manager
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Sony Interactive Entertainment
With over 20 years in the gaming industry, a background in both development and platform teams, and experience as a founding IGF Student Showcase judge, I'm thrilled to join Discord App Pitches 2024. Looking forward to being wowed by all of the innovative pitches and participants’ creativity. On a personal note, I love Metroidvanias and high-quality single-player narrative adventures.
Juan Martinez
Principle Technical Game Designer
Discord
Discord
Juan Martinez
Principle Technical Game Designer
Discord
Discord
With 23 years in game development, I bring a wealth of experience to App Pitches 2024. I can't wait to see innovative and out-of-the-box ideas from our talented participants. I love puzzles and adventure games, and I'm looking for the same creativity in submissions.
Colin Loretz
Senior Developer Advocate
Discord
Discord
Colin Loretz
Senior Developer Advocate
Discord
Discord
As a Senior Developer Advocate at Discord, I'm well-versed in our Embedded App SDK and APIs. Looking forward to seeing innovative games and multiplayer experiences from our devs. I'm a fan of pick-up-and-play competitive games.
Zoë Wentzel
Software Engineer
Discord
Discord
Zoë Wentzel
Software Engineer
Discord
Discord
As a Software Engineer at Discord, I've spent years building Activities on Discord. I'm excited to judge and see the creativity our devs will bring to Discord. I especially love games that involve exploration and goofing around with friends. Can't wait to see your out-of-the-box ideas!
Prizes
Winners will receive the following prizes
Category Winners
Up to $15,000 USD*
Personal, individual support from members of our Discord API and Studio teams
Major street cred
Grand Prize Winner
Up to $30,000 USD*
Personal, individual support from members of our Discord API and Studio teams
Featured placement on one or more discovery surfaces
Eternal glory
*Each category winner will win a $5,000 start up grant, and a $10,000 grant for eligible completed apps. In addition to the category winner grants, one grand prize winner is eligible for an additional $15,000 grant for a total of $30,000 if they resubmit their app in accordance with the Official Rules.
Categories
Submit your best pitch to one (or more) of our official categories.
Compete
Discord is a hub for all kinds of play styles, including competitive spirits. We're looking for game experiences that ignite (friendly) rivalries, test skills against individuals or teams, and bring true pride in leaderboard status. Ideal for those who revel in competition and enjoy pitting their skills against others.
Elements might include:
- Multiplayer online battle arenas (team-based combat)
- Real-time strategy games (planning and implementing tactics)
- Head-to-head puzzle games (requiring quick wit and strategic decisions)
- Other gameplay experiences that stimulate users' competitive nature
Adventure Together
Discord is a place for fostering connections and collaborations. We're on the lookout for gaming experiences that create shared moments and facilitate meaningful interactions among players. Perfect for those who find joy in collective undertakings and making memories.
Elements might include:
- Escape games for problem-solving and exploration
- Team-based cooperative missions and quests
- Investigation games like collaborative mystery solving
- World-building exploration and RPG fosters connection
- Story-building or rich lore
Collect and Create
Discord is a canvas for imagination and storytellers who love to explore. These games might have daily challenges, unexpected rewards, and engaging content that keeps players returning for more. Equipped with elements of creativity and decision making, they're perfect for those who enjoy crafting their own unique experiences and venturing into unknown territories.
Elements might include:
- Pet collection games that enable users to gather and care for various creatures
- Games that provide the tools to invent, design, and share what you imagine
- Sandbox games that allow free-building and customization
- Simulation games that enable users to design and manage their worlds
- Idle RPGs (consider RPGs with progress that continues over time)
Chill
Discord can be a sanctuary for friends who prefer a more relaxing, casual hangout. We're keen on experiences that offer a laid-back, stress-free environment. These games and experiences are ideal for users who wish to unwind and enjoy a game without any pressure or high stakes.
Elements might include:
- Virtual hangout spaces (think of digital rooms for avatar-based interactions)
- Casual puzzle games (such as match-3 games, logical or numerical puzzles)
- Conversation prompts
- Party games
- Educational and learning games
- Life-simulation games
Wildcard
The Discord Developer Platform is a playground for innovation and unique ideas. For ideas that defy categorization, the Wildcard category is open. There are no rules, no guidelines, no restrictions (except these Official Rules of course) - the potential is limitless!
Elements might include:
- Any unique or innovative game idea that pushes the boundaries and doesn't fit into the other categories
How Pitches are Evaluated
Know before you go! Check out the criteria we’re using to judge submissions.
Value
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App concepts for Discord App Pitches 2024 should be experiences that an average Discord user would find frequent or repeated use out of and are experiences best had with friends. A high score would be awarded to an app that is used daily for these Activities. The game should retain its novelty after all features are explored and most importantly, it should enhance the experience of HXC and friends hanging out on Discord.
Professionalism
App proposals for Discord App Pitches 2024 should be polished, succinct, well-articulated, easy to follow, and crisp. Proposals should demonstrate qualities typical of a product manager or game designer, such as deep customer understanding and strong grasp of required resources and timeline for building activities. Proposals should exemplify professional work styles and attitude, such as a developer who is ready to be contracted for a paying client.
Uniqueness
App concepts for Discord App Pitches 2024 should not already be an existing Discord Activity. If a similar Activity exists, the proposed app should provide a more robust offering, such as more user benefits, more languages supported, or better design. Activities unique from other submissions are encouraged, so get creative with your building activity!
Innovation
App proposals for Discord App Pitches 2024 should creatively address user needs and desires. Apps pioneering new uses for existing or early stage technology (such as machine learning, AI, or other cutting-edge solutions) in the context of building activities will receive a higher score.
Representation
The "Representation" score values how well developers understand and cater to their intended app users, especially those from underserved communities. High scores will be given to developers who use their insights to create Activities that meaningfully serve people of unique backgrounds. Teams composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds will also be awarded high scores, recognizing the value of varied perspectives and experiences in creating inclusive applications.
For complete and official details, see the contest rules
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to receive prizes, the developer submitting the App Pitch must be:
At least 18 at the time of submission, or 13-18 with guardian's approval (in accordance with the terms).
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Not a legal resident of Brazil, Italy or the Canadian province of Quebec or any country subject to OFAC trade sanctions or regulations.
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Not a Discord employee or judge, or of their family members, or a colleague of any of the judges.
