vibeCDA pixel-art banner: Build a game with AI in a weekend, Nov 13–15, 2026, Innovation Collective, Coeur d'Alene

vibeCDA: Build a game with AI in a weekend

Fri Nov 13 – Sun Nov 15, 2026 · Coeur d'Alene, ID

vibeCDA is a friendly weekend game jam where anyone, from first-timers to experienced developers, uses AI tools to build a playable game. It’s a fun, hands-on way to see what vibecoding can do and sharpen skills you can use in the real world.

Why we’re doing this

We want to bring a culture of hackathons to Cda, similar to what exists in other cities. Our goal is to do at least 4 themed hackathons a year in the community, to connect builders, share ideas, develop local talent, and eventually incubate and grow Cda-based businesses — and have fun doing it!

▶ Register — it's free Build Cities event

Tracks

In a hackathon, tracks are optional lanes you can pick so you’re not starting from a blank page — a theme to lean into, or free rein if you’d rather. At vibeCDA, Freeplay and Wizards and Lizards are judged for prizes; GTA CDA is a shared community build (not judged), so you can join the vibe that fits you.

1. Freeplay

Build any game you want. The most beginner-friendly way to learn the basics of vibecoding.

2. Wizards and Lizards

A Halloween-themed track for anyone who wants a little direction to spark ideas. Costumes welcome!

3. GTA CDA

A community build. Add to a shared game set in Coeur d'Alene, built on the real map of Cda.

More about GTA CDA

GTA CDA is a living community project that uses the real map of Cda. Built by Conner Kees, it’s the ultimate collab experience! Reach out to Conner Kees at connerkees@gmail.com for details on how to contribute.

GTA CDA is an open collaboration, so contribute solo or with others. Work contributed to GTA CDA becomes part of the shared community project, and the track isn’t judged.

How to Join

  1. Register here. It’s free and helps us plan pizza and teams.
  2. Show up Friday, Nov 13 at Innovation Collective. Doors open at 12pm, the team mixer is at 4pm, and kickoff is at 5:30pm.
  3. Build! Go solo or team up (up to five). Mentors will help you get set up and unstuck.
▶ Register now

Weekend at a Glance

Full schedule

Friday, November 13, 2026

Innovation Collective, 418 E Lakeside Ave, Suite 9, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

  • 12:00pm — Registration opens
  • 4:00pm — Builder mingle session. Not in a team? Come hang out and find teammates.
  • 5:00pm — Registration closes
  • 5:30pm — Opening ceremonies
  • 6:00pm — Hack session begins
  • 7:00pm–9:30pm — Character photo booth to put yourself into your game
  • 7:30pm — Dinner arrives (free pizza)

Saturday, November 14, 2026

All day at Innovation Collective

  • 12:00pm–5:00pm — Character photo booth available
  • 1:00pm — Lunch (must register)
  • 2:00pm–4:00pm — Sound booth at Hagadone Technologies, 201 N 2nd St, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814, to record dialogue, sound, and voice effects for your game
  • 7:00pm — Dinner

Sunday, November 15, 2026

Cda Immersive Studio, 216 E Coeur d'Alene Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 — to be confirmed

  • 12:00pm — Code freeze
  • 2:30pm–5:00pm — Open play (optional)
  • 6:00pm–7:00pm — Award ceremony and celebration

Prizes & Judging

Freeplay and Wizards and Lizards each have a prize chosen by judges, plus a community vote. Prizes TBA. (GTA CDA is a community build and isn’t judged.)

Freeplay judging rubric

Each judge scores each criterion 1–5; weights add up to 100. Demos are about 3 minutes. Freeplay rewards getting something playable, learning, and fun — not polish or complexity.

Criterion Weight 1 3 5
It’s playable 30 Mostly a mockup Playable start to finish, some bugs Works smoothly; a newcomer can pick it up
Fun factor 25 No reason to keep playing Fun for a minute; clear goal Judges want “one more try”
Learning and growth 20 Can’t explain what they did Can describe their AI use and one thing they figured out Clearly stretched themselves; can explain problems and fixes
Idea and personality 15 Tutorial copy, no changes Has its own twist, art, or theme Clearly “theirs”: memorable idea, look, or humor
Demo 10 Hard to follow Clear and working Confident, fun, shows the best moments

Tie-breaker: higher Learning and growth score, then judges’ majority vote.

Wizards and Lizards judging rubric

Each judge scores each criterion 1–5; weights add up to 100. Demos are about 3 minutes. This track rewards creativity and quality execution. Bring the spooky!

Criterion Weight 1 3 5
Creativity and originality 30 Generic idea or reskin Fresh twist on a familiar genre A surprising idea judges haven’t seen
Quality of execution 30 Buggy or unfinished; core loop breaks Core loop works; some rough edges Feels finished: responsive controls, few bugs, good pacing
Halloween theme fit 20 Theme barely shows up Clearly Halloween, wizards, or lizards in look or story Theme is part of the gameplay, not just the skin
Art, sound, and atmosphere 10 Placeholder visuals, no audio Consistent look; some sound Strong mood that pulls you in
Fun and replay 10 Not engaging Enjoyable once Want to replay or share it

Tie-breaker: higher Creativity score, then Execution, then judges’ majority vote.

FAQ

Does it cost anything?

Nope, it’s totally free, and free pizza is provided all weekend. You’ll need to pay for your own AI tools and will likely use credits to finish before the Sunday 12pm code freeze.

I’m new to AI and vibecoding. Can I join?

Of course! We especially like newcomers. The Freeplay track is made for you, and mentors will float around to help you get set up and unstuck. Come early on Friday to get set up.

Do I need to be in a team?

No, you’re welcome to solo hack, or team up with up to five people. We recommend around three: someone for code, someone for art, and someone for game mechanics. Need teammates? Mark it on your registration and come to the 4pm Friday mixer.

Do I have to be in person?

No. But to win a prize, you need to attend Sunday’s open play session and the award ceremony. Venue TBA — we’re aiming for Cda Immersive Studio, to be confirmed.

Where are Sunday awards held?

Sunday open play and awards are planned for Cda Immersive Studio (216 E Coeur d'Alene Ave) — to be confirmed. We’ll update the site and email registrants once the venue is locked in.

Get Involved

Want to sponsor, mentor, or judge? Email danielwfinley@gmail.com.

Sponsors

vibeCDA pixel-art cover art
▶ Register — it's free