The Only Proper Way to Run a Hackathon Is in an Internet Café

"The First Internet Café Hackathon"

It's hard to believe, but in just four short years of AI, hackathons have sprouted up all across China.

The list goes on and on: Shanghai Hackathon (沪客松), Capital Hackathon (帝都黑客松), Chongqing Hackathon (渝客松), Nanjing Hackathon (南客松), Tongzhou Hackathon (通客松), Anhui Hackathon (徽客松), Shenzhen Hackathon (深客松), Hebei Hackathon (冀客松), Central Plains Hackathon (中原黑客松), River City Hackathon (江城黑客松), Shanxi Hackathon (晋客松) — each region trying to outdo the others.

The themes are equally all over the map. What started as AI application hackathons has expanded to hardware hackathons, robotics hackathons, and even our own Psychic Hackathon. World model hackathons can't be far behind.

Slap two characters in front of "hackathon" and you've got the AI circle's next must-have fashion item. The count is rapidly approaching the number of gender categories in the United States.

But every hackathon until now has suffered from three highs: high education requirements, high barriers to entry, and high pretension. Attending one feels like getting altitude sickness from the rarefied air.

We've decided to go the opposite direction. We're moving the hackathon to an internet café. Welcome to the Internet Café Hackathon.

Haven't you all thought about it? Internet cafés are the perfect hackathon venue. Computers, teammates, food and drinks on hand. Tired? Pass out right in your chair. Or fire up WeGame for a heart-pounding round of Delta Force.

So we hereby announce: May 30–31, the First Internet Café Hackathon will take place in Beijing.

The event will feature several activities running simultaneously.

01

"Internet Café-Themed Game Demo Competition"

As the name suggests, each contestant must produce a game demo with an internet café theme. AI isn't required in the core gameplay — just make it fun and absurd.

To match the internet café vibe, the competition runs 30 hours straight. Field-tested by the legendary Sanhe Day Laborers: no food, no water, still alive.

Eager to tap into game dev talent, we're partnering with 405 Game Bureau, a gaming community based in Shanghai's Caohejing district.

Developers needn't worry about a hostile environment — we've specifically booked a premium, smoke-free internet café 🚬

In the final six hours, we'll hold a live vote to crown the greatest work, bestow an official title, and award a mystery prize.

If you use 3D models from our sponsor Tripo in your entry, you'll receive bonus prizes.

Of course, if this isn't your thing, or if you burn out halfway through, no worries — we've got other activities lined up.

02

"AI Game Workshop"

We've invited AI companies including Tripo, Wanaka, and Mujian to host randomly scheduled AI game competitions and workshops — they'll pump knowledge directly into your brain.

Detailed schedules will be shared after registration.

The beauty of our internet café hackathon: nothing is mandatory. Contestants are free to pursue any legal project they choose.

If these AI company events seem less fun than actual games, no problem — put on your headphones and keep playing Delta Force. Consider it Zang AI treating you to a free computer session.

AI games naturally must face the market test of real players 👊

Oh, and if you have a finished game demo you'd like to showcase, contact us privately and bring it to the venue for attendees to try out.

03

"Classic Game Tournament"

What, you think AI games are trash and their talks are garbage?

Perfect. Our sponsor Monolith is hosting a gaming tournament at the internet café, including but not limited to: League of Legends solo matches, CS:GO competition, Valorant 5v5s... If enough old-timers show up, we'll consider adding DOTA to the mix.

We've got mechanical keyboards and other prizes for the ultimate victors.

Obviously, a swarm of gaming investors will catch wind and show up too.

Founders will face them in 1v1 real-life solo battles. Only victorious investors earn the right to see your pitch.

We'll also crown the strongest gaming investor.

04

"Internet Café All-Nighter Competition"

We haven't forgotten our roots: as an internet café event, carrying on net café culture is essential.

Whoever stays the latest on event day wins the all-nighter championship. Prize: an Atour hotel sleep pillow.

For those who don't want to join any activities, we suggest arriving early to claim a computer, play till you're tired, sleep, wake up hungry, eat instant noodles.

05

"Internet Café Instant Noodle Eating Competition"

Yes, at the request of one Dengke Wang, a deranged entrepreneur, we're also hosting an instant noodle eating competition that evening. Whoever eats the most noodles wins a mystery grand prize.

Wang claims nobody can out-eat him at instant noodles. Come at him if you disagree.

All activities are open to spectators as well.

However, computer seats are limited and will be prioritized for contestants. Spectators who just want to eat noodles don't need to bring anything. For other activities, we recommend bringing your own laptop.

If you're interested, scan the QR code on the poster to register.

Time: May 30, 12:00 to May 31, 18:00

Location: Beijing Wangjing (exact address shared after registration)

Spots are first-come, first-served until full. Substack subscribers get priority access.

Finally, thanks to Tripo and Monolith for their generous support of the venue. We recommend Tripo for all your 3D game needs, and if you're doing AI game entrepreneurship, go talk to Monolith first.

(Cover image generated by ChatGPT. Article written by actual human.)

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