The Rialto Theatre was full to bursting with excitement last Thursday as participants of the fifteenth Game Lab Competition streamed in for the awards ceremony.
This year’s theme was ACTION/REACTION, and the grand winner for “Best Prototype” was Froggin’ Around from the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) in collaboration with the Universté du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) – Montreal campus.
A record of 206 students took up the challenge of creating a game prototype in 10 weeks, and that evening at the Rialto was, we hope, a defining moment in their careers and a boost towards new heights.
‘I’m stunned at all the talent I saw. It was one of the most valuable and eye-opening experiences of my career. The level of quality was exceptional, the prototypes really impressed me, and all for different reasons. I’m in awe at the work and commitment of these students, and I can confidently say that the future of our industry is in good hands!’
– Pierre-Jules Tremblay, Ubisoft Montreal Managing Director and jury president of the 2025 Game Lab Competition
The winning teams
During the gala, $22,000 worth of scholarships were distributed to the winning teams.
Here’s the list of all the prizes which were awarded:
Best prototype
Froggin’ Around
École de technologie supérieure and UQAT – Campus de Montréal
Best Art Direction and Production
Rebound Rush
Université Laval
Best Technical Challenge and Innovation
Golem Arena
Université du Québec à Montréal and École NAD-UQAC
Best Creativity and Integration of the Theme
R.G. Battle
École NAD-UQAC and Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
Best quality of the “3Cs” (Camera, Characters, Controls)
Les 2 petits cochons
Polytechnique Montréal and École NAD-UQAC
Best User Experience
Debug City
Polytechnique Montréal and École NAD-UQAC, Université Concordia et UQAT – Campus de Montréal
Jury’s Special Award
Pas de deux: The Chaos Ballet
Université McGill
Best Game Design
Oh Puck!
Université de Sherbrooke
Audience Award
Froggin’ Around
École de technologie supérieure and UQAT – Campus de Montréal
This unique experience wouldn’t have been possible without the help of numerous people who make the Game Lab Competition a pillar of university programs across Quebec.
Thank you to the members of the jury who generously offered their time and expertise. And a huge thank you to the mentors from Montreal, Quebec City, Saguenay, and Sherbrooke who accompanied the participants during 10 weeks of highs, lows, and of learning at top speed.
Photo credit: Véronique Duplain
