Two Michigan State University student teams from the College of Communication Arts and Sciences secured two major distinctions at the first-ever Collegiate Games Challenge (CGC), a national competition spotlighting innovation in student-led video game development across North America.
“Games are fun to play, but surprisingly difficult to make,” said Andrew Dennis, professor of practice in the Department of Media and Information. “It takes a large, multi-disciplinary team working together to create a shared creative vision (all while trying to get it to run at 60fps). While their technical skills in design, programming, and art are all top-notch, I'm proudest of our students for the soft skills they develop in our program. They check egos at the door and pull together to try and create the best game possible, and these two teams are showcases of what's possible in just a single semester."
“Daemon” takes 2nd Place
MSU’s team behind “Daemon”, a fast-paced, strategy-driven first-person shooter, claimed second place overall—finishing just behind the University of Southern California. The “Daemon” team earned a $15,000 prize as the game approaches commercial release on Steam in Q4 2026.
“It’s been an absolute honor to work alongside such a talented and hardworking team on 'Daemon.' Developing a game on a 15-week schedule is no small feat, but our team rose to the challenge with passion and dedication,” said Keith Learner, Team Lead and current Media and Information student.
Image caption: "Daemon" challenges two teams of four to a game of rotating king of the hill.
Described as an “action-packed first-person shooter with expressive and customizable gameplay,” “Daemon” allows players to build tactical loadouts to suit different combat styles, from controlling terrain to dealing high-impact damage. The team submitted a full gameplay trailer and playable demo to judges, and the game is already available to add to wishlists on Steam.
Image caption: In "Daemon," players customize their class with up to four items from technology, spirit, tank and support categories.
“We poured hundreds of hours into this project, and we’re so thankful to everyone who contributed along the way – our faculty, industry advisors and the play testers who gave invaluable feedback and support. We’re thrilled to have taken home 2nd place and even more excited to bring 'Daemon' to Steam next year with publisher Floating Point Interactive.”
“Guilds of Greybrook” receives Honorable Mention for Game Systems
A second MSU game, “Guilds of Greybrook” was awarded one of only four Honorable Mentions and recognized for Game Systems. It is anticipated to be released before February 2026. No other institution had two games among the winners, making MSU the only program to earn multiple honors in the Interactive Category, which honors excellence in student-led game development and highlights original student video games that showcase creative design, technical innovation and compelling interactive experiences.
“Guilds of Greybrook” is a roguelike management simulator where “you don't play the hero, you pay the heroes!” Players take on the role of business owners in a dangerous frontier, hiring adventurers, taking contracts and choosing sides in high-stakes power struggles. It is also available to add to wishlists on Steam today.
Image caption: Different contracts will cross the player's desk each day, and assigning the right guild member for each job is the key to success.
“Guilds of Greybrook” has been a deeply meaningful project to work on, and I’ve had the pleasure of doing so alongside a team of incredibly talented people just as passionate about bringing it to life,” said Dani Cervera, Creative Director at Brava Games and current student in the Department of Media and Information. “To receive recognition from the Collegiate Games Challenge has been both tremendously encouraging and energizing for all of us at Brava Games. We’ve loved this game from the beginning, and every time we share it, the response reminds us we’re onto something special. The road to releasing 'Guilds' will still take a lot of work, but it’s work we’re excited to take on as we move beyond graduation and into whatever the games industry has in store for us.”
Image caption: Be careful how you act when non-playable characters (NPCs) like Edgar Ironwrite visit your guild; it may affect your standing with the region's factions.
A team effort
Both teams were mentored by a group of dedicated faculty from the Department of Media and Information, including Professor of Practice Andrew Dennis, Professor Brian Winn and Professor of Practice Ricardo Guimarães, who helped guide the student developers through every stage of production. Several students worked on both games, showcasing the tight-knit and collaborative nature of MSU’s Game Design and Development Program.
“Competitions like this one are a great way to motivate students and showcase what MSU can do,” said Dennis. “Rankings and reputation are great, but whenever our students get the chance to share a stage with their peers at some of the world's best game development programs, it really highlights their hard work.”
The competition was livestreamed on the GGP Twitch channel and supported by media partner IGN.com. Projects from institutions like the University of Southern California, the Savannah College of Art and Design and Indiana University were also recognized.
Judges included well-known industry veterans such as Ed Fries, Leo Olebe, Amir Satvat and Gordon Bellamy, president of GGP. Additional judging came from leaders at studios including EA, Ubisoft and Raw Thrills.
The Collegiate Games Challenge is expected to return next year, offering even more opportunities for students to compete, collaborate and connect with industry leaders.
Team Members
“Daemon” (Second Place Winner): Tré Bryant, Adam Elfawal, Austin Endres, Adam Farkas, Rachel Flatley, Soren Gerlach, Leo Hoerdemann, Madison Kiewski, Ian Kercorian, Keith Lerner, Ethan Powell, Kyle Roleson, Rachel Tiv, Austin Wilson and Anthony Zheng.
“Guilds of Greybrook” (Honorable Mention for Best Game Systems): Eliezer Amponsah, Alex Banker, Dani Cervera, Adam Elfawal, Rachel Flatley, Sean Hughes, Langston Key, Keith Lerner, Lil Marsh, Rachel Tiv and Anying Yu.