image: Left to right: Evyatar Cohen, Tamir Herzberg, Danil Bialo
Credit: Karina Bialo
Hebrew University proudly congratulates Evyatar Cohen and Tamir Herzberg on their remarkable achievement of winning the prestigious Figgie Award for Excellence in Design at the Boston Festival of Indie Games!
This award celebrates the best in game design, honoring innovation in mechanics, level design, and difficulty balance. It is a testament to the talent, creativity, and dedication of Cohen and Herzberg, whose game, Breaking News, has captivated players with its unique concept and engaging gameplay. Hebrew University is also thrilled to recognize that Breaking News was a finalist for the Excellence in Visual Art and Best Student Game awards, further highlighting the brilliance of this project.
About Breaking News https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Kd03jY79uI
Breaking News draws inspiration from the nostalgic act of smacking a glitchy TV screen to fix the picture. But in this chaotic and immersive interactive adventure, hitting the TV doesn’t just restore the picture — it transforms reality itself.
Players channel surf through iconic TV scenes, each packed with unique challenges, from saving a toppling monument to controlling the weather. With every hit, unpredictable and often hilarious consequences arise, ensuring surprises at every turn.
Adding to its innovation, the game features an alternative controller (alt.ctrl) version, where an old CRT TV is transformed into the ultimate interactive controller. Check it out here: YouTube Video.
Designed by Danil Bialo and developed by Evyatar Cohen and Tamir Herzberg, Breaking News pushes the boundaries of creative game design.
Prof. Sara Cohen, Dean of the Selim and Rachel Benin Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Hebrew University: “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.”
The Team Behind Breaking News
Breaking News began as a graduation project at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in August 2024. The game is the result of a collaboration between designer Danil Bialo and developers Evyatar Cohen and Tamir Herzberg.
This dynamic team is committed to creating unique and innovative gaming experiences, with Breaking News marking an exciting milestone in their journey as indie game developers.
The team also won the Bezalel Meisler Prize for 2024. This prestigious prize is awarded to exceptional final projects from all departments at Bezalel.
What Makes Breaking News Stand Out
Game Design: The channel-surfing mechanic introduces fast-paced and unpredictable gameplay. With only three buttons, the game offers a wide variety of challenges across different channels, keeping players engaged and on their toes.
Visual Arts: Breaking News blends 90s television aesthetics with a modern, minimalist twist. The combination of 2D mini-games on the TV screen and a 3D-rendered virtual room creates an immersive, layered experience.
Narrative: Each channel presents a mini-story with unexpected twists and critical commentary on climate change, consumerism, and society. The game culminates in a thought-provoking conclusion, emphasizing humanity’s impact on the planet.
Hebrew University celebrates the achievements of its talented students and alumni, whose creativity and passion contribute to advancements across disciplines. The success of Breaking News reflects the University’s dedication to fostering an environment where innovation thrives.
Congratulations to Evyatar Cohen and Tamir Herzberg for their outstanding accomplishments — a shining example of excellence in design and creativity!