University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog

 Arizona’s next generation of game creators came together at the University of Advancing Technology for the second annual Arizona Game Cup, a 72-hour game development competition that brought student teams from across the state together to create, compete, and showcase their work.

Hosted September 18 through 20 at UAT’s Tempe campus, the Arizona Game Cup gave student developers 72 hours to turn an idea into a playable game. Unity sponsored the event, giving teams access to the tools and technology behind one of the world’s leading game development platforms. All games created during the competition were developed using Unity.

This year’s competition brought together teams from 10 Arizona colleges and universities, including Arizona State University, Chandler Gilbert Community College, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Glendale Community College, Grand Canyon University, Mesa Community College, Northern Arizona University, Paradise Valley Community College, Pima Community College, and the University of Advancing Technology, also serving as host.

The competition was about more than building a game. Events like the Arizona Game Cup give students an opportunity to collaborate with new teammates, compete against other developers, connect with industry professionals, exchange ideas, and build relationships with students and creators from across Arizona.

After 72 hours of development, teams presented their finished games during the Arizona Game Cup 2026 Final Game Pitches and Awards, giving the public a chance to experience the projects and see the creativity that emerged from the competition.

Grand Canyon University took the top spot, earning the Golden Coin Trophy. Arizona State University finished in second place, while Northern Arizona University received an honorable mention.

For UAT, hosting the Arizona Game Cup provides a space for Arizona’s game development community to come together and gives students from across the state an opportunity to put their skills into action. With teams working under a 72 hour deadline, the event highlights the creativity, technical ability, collaboration, and problem solving happening across Arizona’s colleges and universities.

The Arizona Game Cup is ultimately about what happens when students are given the tools to create, a deadline to meet, and a room full of other people who are just as excited about making games.

Considering a career in gaming? Check out the following for more information about our suite of UAT game development degrees.

> Game Art and Animation

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> Game Programming