Google’s ‘Make Build Unlock’ Puzzle Hints at I/O 2026
▼ Summary
– Google has launched an interactive puzzle to reveal the dates for its I/O 2026 developer conference.
– The puzzle consists of five distinct mini-games or “builds” that each utilize the Gemini AI model in different ways.
– Community participation is required, as the final date will be revealed only after a certain number of people complete the puzzles.
– Each game demonstrates a specific application of Gemini, such as providing golf tips, generating puzzles, or controlling a character with sound.
– The first game is a mini-golf challenge where players aim a ball while a Gemini-powered caddy offers feedback and commentary.
The path to next year’s Google I/O developer conference has officially begun with an interactive online puzzle. This annual tradition tasks the community with collaborating to unlock the event’s official dates for 2026. The puzzle, titled “Make Build Unlock,” launched slightly later than last year’s iteration but follows a familiar and engaging format. Community participation is the key to progress; a specific number of players must complete the challenge before the dates are revealed later in the day. Essentially, collective play fuels the countdown, and when the goal is reached, the calendar information drops.
This year’s experience revolves around five distinct “builds” or mini-games, each designed to showcase the capabilities of Google’s Gemini 3 AI model. Every game is also available to “Remix in AI Studio,” allowing developers to explore and modify the underlying AI interactions. The first build is a mini-golf game where players click and hold to aim their shot and adjust power, navigating around obstacles. A unique twist is the inclusion of a Gemini-powered virtual caddy that offers real-time tips and humorous commentary tailored to the gameplay. In the initial level, the primary obstacle is the iconic Android Bot character.
The other four builds further demonstrate Gemini’s versatile applications in game design. One features nonogram puzzles, using the AI to generate an endless supply of unique game boards. Another is a word wheel game where Gemini 3 automates level design to ensure every puzzle is both balanced and enjoyable. A supersonic bot game introduces innovative microphone mechanics, allowing players to control an Android Bot’s altitude through ambient noise. The final build centers on a stretchy cat, employing Gemini 3 as an intelligent stage designer that dynamically balances game mechanics and difficulty to create a nearly infinite gameplay experience.
The overarching instruction is to “Play through all builds to unlock the final bonus,” which will help reveal the Google I/O 2026 date. After completing a build, players are encouraged to refresh the page and play again to contribute further to the community goal. This interactive campaign not only builds anticipation for the major developer event but also provides a hands-on, playful demonstration of the latest AI tools that will likely be a central topic of discussion when the conference finally arrives.
(Source: 9to5Google)
