LG Electronics has announced the winners of its webOS TV platform hackathon, which took place at the recent LG webOS Summit. The event was geared toward AI-based solutions and gaming services, seeking ideas to enhance the gaming category on Smart TVs.
Developers from around the world applied for the opportunity to present their ideas for apps or services to be used on webOS-based LG Smart TVs, with the goal of diversifying and improving the gaming experience on LG TVs powered by webOS.
Over 300 entries were submitted from more than 50 countries and finalists were invited to present their ideas on stage to a panel of LG executives and over 300 market-leading companies.
The top three winners received the opportunity to engage with the LG team to develop their ideas and resources for business implementation on webOS. They will continue to work with LG to prepare the gaming solutions for LG TVs by June 2025.
Cash prizes were awarded to the top three winners of the hackathon, with the grand prize of US$100,000 (A$144,524) for first place, US$80,000 (A$115,619) for second place and US$50,000 (A$72,264) for third place.
The grand prize winner was The Quest of Sunflower by Couchplay, an adventure game based on an AI-generated story, featuring stunning graphics, audio and responsive game play suitable for the whole family.
Second place was awarded to Signs of Magic by Lukas Klingsbo which follows the wizard, Elowen as she battles invading creatures known as Astromentals. It integrates LG Magic Remote sensors to create an immersive experience.
Third place was awarded to Thormdeil: Into the Unknown by TV Games, the first single-player RPG developed exclusively for a Smart TV platform, featuring seasonally AI-generated content. Players navigate dark dungeons, face survival challenges and uncover hidden truths.
LG Home Entertainment senior vice president of platform business, Chris Jo said, “The amount of participation and entries we received this year is proof of the growing interest in the AI and gaming categories. We’re no longer simply watching television. The developer ecosystem’s role in improving the lives of millions of consumers in their homes is exponential, and LG plans to hold this event annually to foster webOS app developer ecosystem.”