SPRINGFIELD, Mo., March 5, 2026 – Drury University students once again took home top honors at Chillennium, the world’s largest student-run collegiate game jam, hosted by Texas A&M University, Feb. 20-22, in College Station, Texas.
What is Chillennium?
Chillennium is an annual gathering of students from across the country to meet fellow game enthusiasts, develop their skills, and compete for prizes. Drury Game Development students build full-fledged 3D, multiplayer games in a modern engine as part of their capstone experiences. At Chillennium, teams build a playable game from scratch in a weekend based on a previously unannounced theme. This year’s theme was “Nah, I’d Win,” and the competition featured more than 60 teams from colleges and universities across the country.
Drury sends two teams, earns Best in Audio for second straight year
Drury students Aubrey Bennett (artist), Justin Kroh (audio), Sanjay Vikash Vasidhar (UI design), and Richard Walker (programming) earned Best in Audio top honors by creating a game called Gregory vs. The Universe, giving Drury top honors in the same category for the second straight year. Kroh and Walker were members of last year’s prize-winning team.
Drury also fielded a second team consisting of Jude Brooks, Sakura Hagiwara, Quinten Johnson, and Andrew Kassing.
“Math and Computer Science students are talented creators, many of whom are passionate about gaming,” Dr. Scott Simmons, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Mathematics & Computer Science Department Chair, said. “I am forever inspired by our students’ raw ingenuity and artistry. . To win two years in a row requires more; it takes teamwork, drive, and the organizational skills to pull it all together into a final product. I am always proud of our students, but this year’s group absolutely delivered a performance to remember.”
For Kroh, who serves as the Drury Indie Games Studio President, the experience of the last two years has been invaluable.
“My experiences at Chillennium have taught me that when talented, passionate people come together, regardless of their humble origins, they can do just about anything,” he said. “Not only do I have renewed confidence in my own abilities, but I’ve also discovered that the best things in life are made by people working, learning, and growing, and dreaming together.”
For more information on Chillennium, please visit chillennium.com.
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Established in 1873, Drury University stands as the first higher education institution in Springfield, Missouri. A private, church-related institution, Drury exemplifies a strong spirit of community passionate about student success. Noteworthy is Drury’s academic approach, which sets students apart by giving them a powerful advantage in acquiring exceptional outcomes by combining professional credentials and life aspirations. Marketing & Communications staff are available to news media during business hours at (417) 873-7392. Visit the Marketing & Communications office online at drury.edu/newsroom for the latest news. Resources, including searchable staff contacts and downloadable print-quality images and logos, can be found at drury.edu/mc.