OpenAI 2026 hackathon

Project Shift

An original competitive puzzle game where every move reshapes the board for both players.

Solo project by Petr Caha Ml. · 0 likes · 0 comments

Archive position — measured, not model output

0 likes on Devpost

2,264 of the 7,856 archived projects have more likes, and 5,592 share exactly 0 — so this project's #6,100 place in the like-ranked listing is a tie-break inside that group, not a ranking.

Projects (log scale)

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1k
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05,592
11,758
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5–975
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Likes on Devpost. ▲ marks this project's group.

Show the figures
LikesProjectsShare of archive
05,59271.2%
11,75822.4%
22853.6%
3–41321.7%
5–9751.0%
10+140.2%
Devpost like counts for all 7,856 archived projects, captured when this archive was built.

Executive Summary

Project Shift is a self-reported competitive puzzle game for two players, built as a prototype by one developer (Petr Caha Ml.) using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and AI tools like GPT-5.6 and Codex. The game features shared board mechanics where each player's move affects both players, with matched pieces disappearing and empty spaces remaining empty. It includes AI simulations for rule testing and balance lab functionality.

The author states this is a prototype submitted to the OpenAI 2026 hackathon. No revenue, customers, or traction data are provided. The project description is self-reported and unverified.

Key commercial due-diligence question: Is there evidence of market demand or user engagement beyond the single developer's prototype?

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What The Product Actually Is

The description states that Project Shift is a competitive puzzle game for two players, built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It uses AI tools (GPT-5.6 and Codex) during development.

Key technical details:

  • Built with: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
  • AI tools used: GPT-5.6, Codex
  • Game mechanics: Shared board where each move affects both players
  • Matched pieces disappear; empty spaces remain empty
  • Includes Balance Lab and AI simulations for rule testing

Inference: The game is a prototype with no evidence of commercial deployment or user base.

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Positioning & Claim Evolution

The author states:

  • "I like puzzle games, but I wanted to make something where both players are playing on the same board"
  • "Every move should matter not only for you, but also for your opponent"
  • "This is only the beginning" — indicating it's a prototype
  • "My goal is to create an original competitive puzzle game that feels different from existing games"

Inference: The positioning is as an innovative, original competitive puzzle game with shared board mechanics. The claim evolution shows a progression from personal interest to prototype development to future expansion plans.

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Target Customer & ICP

Not evidenced. The description does not identify specific customer segments or personas. It only states that the game is for two players and that the author wants to create an "original competitive puzzle game."

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Business Model & Pricing Evidence

Not evidenced. No information provided about monetization, pricing strategy, or revenue model.

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Technical & Delivery Signals

The description states:

  • Built with HTML, CSS, JavaScript
  • Used GPT-5.6 and Codex during development
  • Includes Balance Lab and AI simulations for rule testing
  • Mobile controls are planned for improvement
  • Online multiplayer is planned for future addition

Inference: The technical approach shows a web-based prototype with AI-assisted development. Delivery signals point toward future expansion but no current commercial delivery.

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Traction & Maturity Signals

Not evidenced. No data on user engagement, retention, revenue, or adoption metrics are provided beyond the single developer's account of building a prototype.

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Competitive Context

Not evidenced. The description does not mention competitors or market positioning relative to existing puzzle games.

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Key Risks & Red Flags

  • Single developer: Only one person is involved in development
  • Prototype only: No commercial deployment or user base
  • No traction data: No evidence of users, revenue, or engagement
  • Unproven market demand: The author states "I know there is still a lot of work to do" and that the idea has "potential" but no concrete evidence of demand
  • AI dependency: Heavy reliance on AI tools for development may indicate lack of core technical capability

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Diligence Questions To Ask The Founders

  1. What specific user feedback have you received about gameplay mechanics?
  2. How many people have played the prototype, and what was their engagement level?
  3. What is your plan to validate market demand beyond personal interest?
  4. How do you intend to monetize this game?
  5. What are the key metrics you're tracking for success?
  6. Have you identified any specific user segments or markets to target?

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Investment/Partnership Verdict

Not evidenced. The description provides no information about financials, traction, or commercial viability to support an investment or partnership decision.

The project is described as a prototype built by one developer with no evidence of market traction, revenue, or customer base. The author's own words indicate this is "only the beginning" and that there is still "a lot of work to do." There is no evidence of commercial viability, user engagement, or competitive positioning beyond the single developer's personal interest in creating a unique puzzle game.

The project shows potential based on the author's stated goals but lacks any demonstrated progress toward commercialization. The absence of revenue, customers, or adoption data makes it impossible to assess whether this represents a viable business opportunity.

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Source

Submitted to the OpenAI 2026 hackathon on Devpost. Project home on DevPost.

The analysis above was generated by a language model from the project's own one-line description. It is not independent research and contains no verified traction, revenue or customer data.