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Human: Fall Flat Launches $10K University Level Design Challenge in China

In an exciting new initiative, Curve Games and No Brakes Games are inviting university students across China to flex their game design muscles with the Human: Fall Flat University Level Design Challenge. With a hefty grand prize of $10,000 on the line, this contest offers students a rare opportunity: the chance to contribute directly to the ever-evolving Human: Fall Flat universe.

This design challenge, exclusive to 138 universities in China, aims to engage the creativity of students from a wide range of disciplines. Whether you’re a game design major or just someone passionate about quirky platforms, the competition could be your chance to see your ideas brought to life. The contest promises not just monetary rewards but a platform for valuable real-world experience—something that can be a game-changer for students looking to break into the industry.

A Perfect Match for a Community-Centered Game

For those unfamiliar, Human: Fall Flat has long been celebrated for its humorous physics-based gameplay and its strong community focus. Released back in 2016, it’s a title where players control wobbly characters as they solve puzzles and navigate increasingly elaborate landscapes. What makes this game stand out is its open-ended, sandbox-style approach to problem-solving—there are no wrong answers, just endless opportunities for fun and creativity.

The game has also seen a surge in player-generated content over the years. In fact, the community has become a cornerstone of Human: Fall Flat’s continued success. With mods on Steam and custom levels proliferating, a challenge like this one ties perfectly into the ethos of the game: that it’s a blank canvas for creativity.

China is a fitting market for this challenge. Human: Fall Flat enjoys immense popularity across the country, where the game’s goofy physics and cooperative gameplay have resonated deeply with players. Offering students the chance to design new levels—especially those tailored to the cultural context and preferences of Chinese players—makes a lot of sense.

What It Means for the Future of Human: Fall Flat

This competition is more than just a one-off event. For the Human: Fall Flat team, it seems to be part of a broader effort to continue expanding the game’s content well into the future. By sourcing ideas from young, talented minds across China, the developers might find the next iconic level that becomes a fan favorite worldwide. Community-designed content like this could also help keep the game fresh and engaging for its millions of players around the globe.

Plus, let’s face it: who wouldn’t want to design a level in a game where you can watch characters hilariously bumble their way through your custom obstacles?

How to Get Involved

Students at the selected universities are encouraged to participate, regardless of their game design experience level. Whether you’re a coding whiz or an art enthusiast, your contribution could make waves. Interested participants should visit Curve Games’ official website for full competition details and rules. The submission window is expected to close in early 2025, giving students plenty of time to create something memorable.

For budding game designers, this challenge isn’t just about bagging the $10,000 prize. It’s a chance to work on a global title and get your foot in the door with industry veterans. Even if your level doesn’t take the top prize, just participating can provide immense learning and career opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Curve Games and No Brakes Games have made a fantastic move with this challenge. It’s not just another competition; it’s a chance for students to put their stamp on a beloved gaming franchise. Whether you’re a fan of Human: Fall Flat or just someone curious about game design, this is one competition that could make a lasting impact on the game’s future and the careers of the students participating.

If you’re keen on following the journey of these student game designers, you can keep up with the latest developments on the official Human: Fall Flat Twitter or join the conversation on Reddit.

This is an adventure both in-game and out, and we can’t wait to see what these creative minds come up with!

Anika Sørensen, hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark, has established herself as a prominent video game journalist over the past twelve years. Specializing in Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) and Role-Playing Games (RPGs), Sørensen is celebrated for her insightful analyses and passionate coverage of the gaming industry. Beyond writing, Anika is an active member of the gaming community, attending major events like E3 and Gamescom to provide live coverage and exclusive insights. Her dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of video games has inspired countless gamers and aspiring journalists alike. Currently, Sørensen is working as Gaming Tier List's chief news editor.