Mona’s $10k 3D Object Buildathon - Builder Information Hub

$10k is up for grabs! Participate in Mona's First-Ever 3D Object Buildathon now through March 3rd.

We're thrilled to announce our first Buildathon of 2024! Now through March 3rd, 2024 (11;59:00 PM EST) you’re invited to submit to our 3D Object challenge with a $10k prize pool at stake.

What’s the Buzz About?

This Buildathon is more than just a competition. It's a creative expedition into the realms of 3D design. With this buildathon, we hope to build a vibrant bank of 3D objects that will be usable in new ways inside of the Monaverse, with some upcoming launches.

Register for the Buildathon!

Registration and Submission close the same day on March 3rd. Registering for the buildathon allows us to send you weekly buildathon updates, discord events, and other opportunities as the buildathon progress!

The Challenge Awaits

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to craft a set of 3D assets in one of the following categories:

Modular Objects: Think paths, rocks, simple props – Must be a set of 15 or more.
Furniture/Props Objects: think sofas, bookshelves, chandeliers, lamp posts, mailboxes, etc. – Must be a set of 10 or more.
Center Piece Objects: These are your show-stoppers! Must be 1-3 or more objects.

Themes to Choose From

Once you've chosen a category, it's time to choose a theme. Choose from themes below guide your creations. Feel the vibe and let your creativity flow!

Realistic
Sci-Fi/Cyberpunk
Fantasy
Toon/Low-Poly

Technical Specifications

You must adhere to our technical specs to be considered for a prize.

Modular Object - Walls, doors, windows, rooves, rocks, paths, simple props, etc.	Furniture/Props Objects - Trees, plants, simple architecture, sofas, appliances, environment assets, etc.	Center Piece Objects - Sculptures, statues, giant teddy bear, etc.
15+ Objects - GLB or FBX 250 triangles or less per object	10+ Objects - GLB or FBX 1,500 triangles or less per object	1-3+ Objects - GLB or FBX 3,500 triangles per object
1 Material (Max): Opaque OR alpha material	2 Materials (Max): - 1 Material for supporting opaque textures - 1 Material for supporting textures with alpha	2 Materials (Max): - 1 Material for supporting opaque textures - 1 Material for supporting textures with alpha
One 512x512 Max. Diffuse/Color Texture - (Optional) May include alpha for transparency. - (Optional) One 512x512 Max. Normal map. - (Optional) One 512x512 Max. Roughness/Metallic map.	One 1024x1024 Max. Diffuse/Color Texture - (Optional) May include alpha for transparency - (Optional) One 1024x1024 Max. Normal map. - (Optional) One 1024x1024 Max. Roughness/Metallic map.	One 2048 x 2048 Max. Diffuse/Color Texture - (Optional) May include alpha for transparency - (Optional) One 2048 x 2048 Max. Normal map. - (Optional) One 2048 x 2048 Max. Roughness/Metallic map.
Should still read well if bumped down to 128x128 on mobile	Should still read well if bumped down to 256x256 on mobile	Should still read well if bumped down to 512x512 on mobile

Submission Information

When you've completed your work and are ready to submit head here:

Connect with the Community as you Build.

Join our Discord community for support, inspiration, and to connect with fellow creators. Being active has perks, so don’t miss out!

Still Have Questions? See our FAQ below.

Who can participate in the Buildathon? Are there any age or experience requirements?

Anyone aged 18 and over, regardless of experience level, is welcome to participate. We encourage both beginners and seasoned 3D artists to join.

When does Registration End?

Registrations starts on January 17th and is on a rolling basis and ends the same day as submissions, on March 3rd (11;59:00 PM EST) .

We ask for participants to register so that they can receive timely updates and announcements for workshops, virtual co-working sessions, and important details.

What are the dates and deadlines for the Buildathon?

The Buildathon registration starts on January 17th, 2024 and ends on March 3rd, 2024 (11;59:00 PM EST). Judging dates, and the award ceremony schedule will be available soon.

Can I Work in Teams?

Yes! You may work in teams. We recommend teams of 2-4 members. Please have each user register for the buildathon. For submission, submit through a designated team lead.

Can I submit as a team and as an individual?

You can participate individually or as part of a team, but the submissions must be distinct.

For team submissions, the team leader should submit and list all members.

Individual submissions must not duplicate any team's work, or both the individual and the team face disqualification.

What file types are used for submissions?

We allow the following formats to be used for submissions:

We recommend using glb or fbx formats.

Why are there technical requirements for submissions?

Technical requirements (including adherence to specified poly count, texture resolution, material count, etc) ensure objects will work well and run smoothly in a browser setting. Detailed specifications can be found above.

Can I submit more than one time? If so, how many?

Yes, you can submit as many times as you’d like to multiple categories, but you can only win once in a main category. Community awards are given separately.

What tools or software are recommended for creating the 3D assets?

Blender, Unity, and other related 3D modeling tools are recommended.

Are there any resources or support available for participants during the Buildathon?

Yes, resources like the Mona Crash Course and docs.monaverse.com are always available, along with support on our Discord.

How will the submitted 3D objects be judged? What are the criteria?

Judging will be based on creativity and originality, technical execution, aesthetic appeal, and functionality, with a big emphasis on optimization. Each category is allocated a set number of points.

Can I blend/mix themes?

While the themes we have provided are big umbrellas, you may blend different themes together. However, upon submission, you MUST choose one theme your collection closely aligns with from what we have provided.

Are basic objects and medium objects synonymous to modular and furniture/prop categories?

For clarity:

Basic objects are the same as Modular Objects.

Medium Objects are the same as Furniture/Prop Objects.

What is the prizing structure?

Prizes are split between Technical Categories (15 prizes) and Community Engagement/ Involvement Categories (11 prizes).

Prizes total $10,000, spread across the various categories. Winners will be determined based on the judging criteria and points scored.

Modular Objects Category

Grand Prize: $1,400
Top Prize: $800
Notable Prize: $425
Honorable Mention: $275 each x2

Furniture/Props Category

Grand Prize: $1,400
Top Prize: $800
Notable Prize: $425
Honorable Mention: $275 each x2

Center Piece Objects Category

Grand Prize: $1,400
Top Prize $800
Notable Prize: $425
Honorable Mention: $275 each x2

Community Engagement/ Involvement Category

Most Helpful Community Member: $50 (Awarded up to 5 times)
Best Progress Share: $50 (Awarded up to 6 times)

How will the submissions be judged?

Fair and Objective Judging in Our 3D Object Buildathon

We are committed to a fair and transparent judging process for our 3D Object Buildathon. Utilizing a detailed, point-based rubric, we ensure objective evaluation of each submission across key criteria: creativity and originality, technical execution (optimization), aesthetic appeal, functionality and practicality.

Our judges will independently score each entry, with all scores kept confidential to maintain the integrity of the contest and respect the efforts of all participants. This approach guarantees that each submission is evaluated on its own merits.

Our goal is to foster a respectful and inspiring event, celebrating the diverse talents of our participants. We eagerly anticipate the array of creative submissions and wish everyone the best of luck.

Does Mona acquire any rights over the winning 3D objects?

Mona will purchase the assets of the winners (on top of awarding them the bounty prize) and will have the rights market them on Mona. The creators retain all rights to their IP.

Those that do not win will retain all their rights for their objects and may use them however they like.

Will Participants receive feedback on their submissions?

While individual feedback for each submission may not be possible, general feedback and learning points will be shared during the event.

Mona has the right to hold special events that will give participants feedback. Please see email and discord for these updates.

Can individuals located outside of the United States participate? Are there any region-specific rules?

International participants are welcome. There are no region-specific rules, however, all participants must adhere to the general terms and conditions.

How can I provide feedback about the Buildathon experience?

Feedback can be provided via a post-event survey, on our Discord, or emailing buildathon@monaverse.com.

Are there any guidelines for using AI technology in asset creation?

Yes! We welcome and encourage AI technology in builds. We only ask that if AI technology is used, participants must provide a detailed account of its role in their submission. Remember, optimization is key.

What measures are in place to ensure fairness and transparency in the judging process?

The Buildathon employs a point-based judging system and a panel of unbiased experts to ensure fairness and transparency.

Can I submit old work to this Buildathon?

Only new creations can be submitted to the 3D Object Buildathon. Feel free to take inspirations from old works!

Read Mona's Terms & Conditions

Check them out here.