The Orbital Game Jam 7, hosted by the CLIC (Association of Computer Science and Communications Students) at the EPFL campus in Switzerland, continued its tradition of encouraging creativity, collaboration, and playful innovation. With the theme split between Visual: ATOMIC and Gameplay: Mélanges (cocktail, mix), participants were challenged to combine ideas in unique and engaging ways.
This hybrid event welcomed both on-site and online participants, making it accessible to a broader audience while maintaining the camaraderie of a physical gathering. Backed by partners like Logitech, the event provided a vibrant atmosphere for experienced developers and newcomers alike to stretch their creative muscles over the weekend of March 22nd - 23rd, 2025.
The Jam in Numbers • Total Submissions: 22 • Total Ratings: 68 • Average Ratings per Game: 3.1 • Median Ratings per Game: 3
https://itch.io/jam/orbital-game-jam-7/entries
The variety of games submitted showcased an impressive range of genres and mechanics, from puzzle games to more experimental projects. However, one entry clearly stood out in terms of quality and execution.
EDIT: in the last week the itch.io game page for the winning entry has been taken down. https://threadloop.itch.io/atomix
🏆 The Winner: ATOMIX by Threadloop
ATOMIX soared above the competition to claim the top spot in almost every category, earning a remarkable 4.8/5 score in overall gameplay.
📌 Game Description: In this minimalist puzzle game, players split atoms and trigger chain reactions to progress through increasingly complex levels. It blends elements of abstract puzzle design and logic-based gameplay, making every level feel like a carefully constructed challenge.
📌 Why It Stood Out: ✔ Gameplay Mastery: The game’s core mechanics are both intuitive and challenging, striking a balance that makes it addictive. ✔ Visuals: Ranked #3 in visuals, the minimalist style supported the clean, puzzle-focused design. ✔ Sound Design: Topping the charts in this category, ATOMIX’s sound effects enhanced the satisfaction of creating successful reactions. ✔ Originality: While it ranked a bit lower in originality (#12), the execution more than made up for it, turning a familiar concept into something fresh and engaging.
The Orbital Game Jam: A Space for Experimentation
The Orbital Game Jam stands out not only for its physical and online components but also for the welcoming, community-driven approach. Participants are encouraged to create games from scratch, no pre-made projects allowed, and teamwork is both welcomed and facilitated.
The event’s structure also emphasizes accessibility, allowing beginners to jump in alongside experienced developers and learn by doing. The format’s emphasis on mixing ideas (“Mélanges”) also pushed participants to think creatively about how disparate concepts can be fused into cohesive gameplay experiences.
The Future of Orbital Game Jams
The continued success of Orbital Game Jam 7 demonstrates how physical spaces and online platforms can work together to create a truly engaging event. With new themes and new ideas emerging each year, this event has the potential to grow into a key gathering point for game developers worldwide.
As for ATOMIX, it’s a strong example of how minimalist design, tight mechanics, and creative problem-solving can come together to create a memorable experience.
Looking forward to seeing what the next Orbital Game Jam will bring to the table!