The Geek’s Game Jam 2025: Unleashing the Future of Game Design in Mauritius

With 45+ participants and 15 original games submitted, the energy was electric.

The Mauritian creative scene just leveled up! From August 23rd to 31st, We are Geekin’ Ltd, in partnership with the Institut Français de Maurice (IFM), hosted the inaugural edition of The Geek’s Game Jam. This landmark event wasn’t just a competition; it was a movement to foster a sustainable community of indie game creators right here in Mauritius.

With 45+ participants and 15 original games submitted, the energy was electric. Here is everything that went down during this week of non-stop innovation.

The Theme: “Unwritten Chapters of Mauritius”

The heart of the jam was our unique theme: “Les Chapitres Inédits de l’île Maurice” (The Unwritten Chapters of Mauritius). We challenged our creators to dig deep into local folklore, reimagined histories, and future myths.

The results were beyond our wildest dreams. From digital adventures to intricate board games, the participants proved that Mauritian culture is a goldmine for storytelling and interactive design.

By the Numbers: A Growing Indie Scene

  • 45+ Participants: A diverse mix of students (shoutout to the University of Mauritius!) and young professionals.

  • 15 Original Submissions: Including both video games and physical board games.

  • 1 Goal: Building a home for independent creators in Mauritius.

Celebrating the Winners

The climax of the event took place on Friday, September 5th, during a high-energy award ceremony at the IFM. While every entry showcased incredible talent, four titles took home the top honors:

  • 🏆 Grand Prize Winner: The Last Dodo – A standout title praised for its sharp humor and creative mechanics.

  • 🥈 Runner-up: The Legacy of La Bourdonnais – A game that captivated the judges with its deep, immersive narrative.

  • 💖 Coup de Cœur du Jury: Chachi – An original and charming entry that stole the hearts of the jury members.

  • 🎲 Best Board Game: Dodoland – A brilliant physical game concept developed by a talented team from the University of Mauritius (UoM).

Building a Community

“The Geek’s Game Jam” was designed to bridge the gap between passion and professional development. By bringing together artists, developers, and storytellers, we are laying the foundation for an indie game industry in Mauritius.

Our partnership with the Institut Français de Maurice was instrumental in providing the support and space needed for these young creators to flourish. This collaboration highlights the growing importance of digital arts in our cultural landscape.

Want to Play?

The jam might be over, but the games are just getting started! You can play, test, and support all the local entries on our official Itch.io page.

👉 Play the Games Here

What’s Next for We are Geekin’?

This is only the beginning. The success of this first edition confirms that Mauritius is ready for more. We are already looking forward to making this an annual tradition and continuing our mission to support the geek culture and creative industries in Mauritius.

Stay tuned to our website and social media for updates on future events, monthly community meetups, and the next Game Jam!