The Hebrew University of Jerusalem proudly congratulates Evyatar Cohen and Tamir Herzberg for winning the prestigious Figgie Award for Excellence in Design at the Boston Festival of Indie Games!

Their game, Breaking News, stood out for its innovation, creativity, and engaging gameplay, earning acclaim on an international stage. 

This award recognizes exceptional talent in game design, celebrating groundbreaking achievements in mechanics, level design, and difficulty balance. Additionally, Breaking News was a finalist for Excellence in Visual Art and Best Student Game, furthering cementing its success.

 

About Breaking News 

Inspired by the nostalgic act of smacking a glitchy TV screen to restore the picture, Breaking News takes players on a wild interactive adventure where every "fix" reshapes reality. 

• Gameplay: Players channel surf through iconic TV scenes, each packed with unique challenges, whether it's saving a toppling monument or controlling the weather. With unpredictable and hilarious outcomes, Breaking News offers an experience full of surprises.

• Innovative Features: The game features an alternative controller (alt.ctrl) version using a modified CRT TV as an interactive controller, adding to its immersive appeal.

 

Watch the trailer: Breaking News on YouTube.

 

Designed by Danil Bialo and developed by Evyatar Cohen and Tamir Herzberg, the game has set a new standard in creative design.

 

Prof. Sara Cohen, Dean of the Selim and Rachel Benin Department of Computer Science and Engineering, shared her pride: 

“We are immensely proud of Evyatar Cohen and Tamir Herzberg for their groundbreaking achievement (...) Their game exemplifies the innovative spirit and interdisciplinary creativity that Hebrew University fosters. By combining technical excellence, artistic vision, and meaningful storytelling, they have created an experience that resonates with players while addressing critical global issues.

 

Innovation Through Collaboration

Prof. Sara Cohen, Dean of the Selim and Rachel Benin Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Hebrew University , shared her pride:

“We are immensely proud of Evyatar Cohen and Tamir Herzberg for their groundbreaking achievement in winning the Figgie Award for Excellence in Design. Their game, Breaking News, exemplifies the innovative spirit and interdisciplinary creativity that Hebrew University fosters. By combining technical excellence, artistic vision, and meaningful storytelling, they have created an experience that resonates with players while addressing critical global issues.

 

This success also highlights the significance of our unique minor in computer gaming, offered in collaboration with the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design. The program provides students with the opportunity to explore the intersection of technology and art, fostering innovation through a multidisciplinary approach. It is this pioneering initiative that enables projects like Breaking News to come to life, equipping students with the skills and inspiration to lead the future of the gaming industry. This recognition is a testament to their talent, hard work, and the strength of our collaborative academic programs. We look forward to seeing their future contributions to the world of gaming and beyond.”

 

Innovation Through Collaboration
Breaking News originated as a graduation project at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, developed as part of Hebrew University's minor in computer gaming program. This unique partnership combines technology and art, preparing students to lead teh future of the gaming industry. 

 

In addition to the Figgie Award, the team also received the Bezalel Meisler Prize (2024) for exceptional final projects. 

 

What Makes Breaking News Stand Out

• Game Design: A fast-paced and unpredictable channel-surfing mechanic keeps players engaged. 
• Visual Arts: A blend of 90s TV aesthetics and minimalist design offers a nostalgic yet modern look. The combination of 2D mini-games on the TV screen and a 3D-rendered virtual room creates an immersive, layered experience.
• Storytelling: Each channel explores societal themes like climate change and consumerism, culminating in a thought-provoking finale.

 

This achievement underscores the University's commitment to nurturing creative talent and interdisciplinary innovation.

Congratulations to Evyatar Cohen and Tamir Herzberg on this outstanding accomplishment! Their success highlights the innovation and creativity thriving at Hebrew University. 

 

The Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is a globally renowned institution driving innovation and advancing Israel’s high-tech industry. In collaboration with the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, the school offers a unique Game Design module that combines advanced computing, AI, and graphics with storytelling and design, preparing students to lead in the global gaming industry. With expertise spanning AI, cryptography, quantum computing, and more, the school excels in research, education, and fostering Israel’s role as the Start-Up Nation. To learn more  https://www.cs.huji.ac.il/academics/gaming

 

For a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a beacon for visionary minds who challenge norms and shape the future. Founded by luminaries like Albert Einstein, who entrusted his intellectual legacy to the University, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering leadership, and promoting diversity. Home to over 23,000 students from 90 countries, the Hebrew University drives much of Israel’s civilian scientific research, with over 11,000 patents and groundbreaking contributions recognized by eight Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Ranked 81st globally by the Shanghai Ranking (2024), it celebrates a century of excellence in research, education, and innovation. To learn more about the University’s academic programs, research, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en.