Clarification on deprecation of the Arcade Hoodie

Yugali

Hello Arcade Players!

We wanted to share a quick clarification regarding the deprecation of the Arcade Hoodie.

We have heard your feedback and truly appreciate it. Please understand that the Arcade team's decisions regarding prize counter swags are carefully considered, taking into account various factors such as available resources, logistics, past user feedback, global seasonality, and other practical considerations and important decision points. Please be assured this decision was not taken lightly.

We always strive to offer the best possible swags, keeping all participants' preferences in mind. Having featured Arcade Hoodies for many seasons, we felt it was time to introduce something fresh, giving everyone the chance to earn something new or different that they might desire.

As we've always emphasized, while we recognize that swags can be a motivating factor showcasing your commitment to Google Cloud, they should never be the primary focus. If merchandise overshadows the pursuit of cloud-learning, it defeats the core purpose of our efforts at Google, as Arcade is a learning opportunity, not a merchandising endeavor.

Having said that, hoodies will definitely be making a comeback in future Arcade seasons as you all have requested for the same. As you know, Arcade is a continuous learning program that runs all year. That means you'll have more opportunities to earn the swags you want in the future. So, keep that learning momentum going! We encourage you to stay focused and eager to participate in upcoming campaigns.

We genuinely hope our participants will find motivation beyond swags, making the most of Arcade for significant career advancements, successful career transitions, securing new employment, mastering new skills, building robust careers, upskilling or reskilling in cloud, and utilizing our industry-standard curriculum for countless other opportunities.

Thank you for being such a valued part of the Arcade experience. We truly appreciate your dedication and passion towards Arcade and we will definitely…

See You in The Cloud!

chiranjib2001

Nicely said, Yah will look forward to it.
And please bring some cybersecurity related challenges may be like using SIEM or SOAR in cloud, Incident response using type, like implementation of https://cloud.google.com/docs/security.

khushi1

Yes I want

Praveen2022

Good idea.

Dula_Fernando

Yes please, I think we need some cybersecurity-related challenges.

DoomSlayer

Thank you for the clarification and for considering community feedback in your decision-making process ma'am!

Looking forward to exploring more learning opportunities in the Arcade while also being motivated by the amazing swag drops!!

utpal

By the time we receive the price, winter will have already arrived so we need a hoodie.

Thanks

ayush007

Hello Arcade Team,

Thanks for the clarification regarding the deprecation of the Arcade Hoodie. We appreciate your efforts to introduce new swags and keep the program fresh. However, we'd like to bring up a concern regarding the current swag rewards.

It's great to hear that hoodies will make a comeback in future Arcade seasons, but we're currently facing an issue with the rewards for different point tiers. Specifically, participants who score 65 points and 85 points receive the same polo t-shirt. We believe this is unfair, as reaching 85 points requires significantly more effort and dedication compared to scoring 65 points.

We understand that swags shouldn't be the primary focus, but recognition and appreciation for participants' hard work and achievements are essential. We'd like to request that you consider introducing tiered rewards or exclusive swags for higher point tiers, such as the Legend tier.

This would not only motivate participants to strive for excellence but also provide a sense of accomplishment and recognition for their efforts. We're excited to continue participating in the Arcade program and look forward to seeing changes that reflect our feedback.

Thanks again for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
Ayush Sharma

Praveen2022

I totally agree. Well said brother.

kavyatrivedi

yeah I agree with Him like Some-thing should be different add on jacket or something Which Should be Like 85 points not just add on Prize like a polo t-shirt 👎 as we are focusing on more Learning you should Put a Prize like "Legend" not Polo

akshayramaiya

I agree with you but this was also for learning and teaching with the hoodie then why are you saying this now madam this is disappointing for everyone

Saibalroy

Please replace the tshirt with the Hoodie for Legend tier, or allow participants the option of choosing one of the two @Yugali

Flamekaiser

Mam please consider reaction of participants to bring back hoodie for champion and legend tier and T -shrit are given to lower tier

RAOKS

I am seeing players completing 70 to 80 skill badges in two months, I am sure learning is very minimal . Some of new arcade users completing badges just for swags . I request to upload some guidance document for new learners/gamers on arcade and facilitators website. I have also observed facilitators just pushing for ultimate milestone without understanding learners/gamers capability/experience .

I was part facilitator program for two seasons as participant. I have observed most of the guidance is about running scripts and completing labs. This is totally deviating from actual learning. Focus shifted towards just completing games/skill badges.. Its better to learn 8 to 10 courses in two months than just completing labs by scripts.

I think Google needs to change systems/processes in this aspect.

It's better to introduce learning path wise Arcade games. Let player choose which learning path they want to participate in particular season.

@Yugali

khushi1

Ok

nunuvin

I kind of agree. 85 point tier basically screams find time efficient ways ( I did it since day one, doing normal games only got me 30 points (I would maybe barely hit 65 point without facilitators if I did extra badges), 65 points is facilitators in 2 months, it definitely encourages the not learning efficient way).

The usual argument is you should focus on learning, but then maybe 30 point is realistic with everything else being out of reach.

There was a discussion about the special games with first 50 getting an arcade point. The consensus was that you need to have an sdk, scripts, great network and powerful hardware to have a chance at doing this and being top 50.

Another common point brought up is more advanced users can use scripts and aim for higher up tiers. But then advanced tiers not learning anything new...

Learning path idea could be interesting

If I am not mistaken, google is no longer offering hoodies when you take their 200USD exams (I heavily doubt it costs 200 USD to administer the exam). If that's true, I have a feeling Arcade rewards may not have long to live either.

The point inflation is also a thing, a few years ago 16 points was max tier, now its 2x that for minimum tier... It's probably due to increased participation but still...

https://www.googlecloudcommunity.com/gc/Learning-Forums/Are-Swag-Vouchers-discontinued/m-p/887962

RAOKS

I have requested @Yugali in one of my post about disadvantage being a Arcade gamer without participating in facilitator program.

Most of YouTube channels including facilitators just encouraging to complete Q&A of lab free courses and complete course. Just spend maximum two hours and get 25 bonus points (if other conditions met). Gamers who are participating from January to get 25 points they need to spend 9000 mins to complete 300 labs (25 X 12 labs (Base camp, L1, L2) = 300 labs [ 9000 mins (if you consider. avg. minimum 30mins. per lab) .

I's not fair. Google has to change this system immediately as is not encouraging serious learning by just increasing points for Prize tiers.

so many Google employees might have spent lot of time and effort in creating lab free courses. The purpose is defeated when gamers/learners just completes course by just answering questions.

I request Yugali and Google team to restructure present system .

selfishvisira

most of us enroll for the program just for google cloud logo hoodie to flex it with our circle and who tf people giving you feedback that polo t-shirt is better than hoodie?? this is not an upgrade this is fs downgrade this program!! so please re think about your decision!!

shivang674

Please bug hoodie back it's my first time doing arcade and really want that 😢😢😢😢

vigneshsridhar1

Mee too

rupuchandu75

Please bring back atleast Hoodie in the arcade legend tier.

soumo3366

Hi Arcade Team,

Thank you for the update and for listening to our feedback.

However, many of us — around 90% of the community — feel disappointed with the change. The polo t-shirt doesn’t seem worth 85 points, and several participants have mentioned they don’t plan to claim it.

We truly loved the hoodie and were excited about it. If possible, please consider bringing it back this season. It meant a lot to many of us and felt more valuable as a reward.

We appreciate all the effort you put into Arcade and hope our feedback is helpful. Thanks again!

Divyansh27

Ofc mam no doubt...

Sayan074

Yes we know but this hoodie is a part off learning journey that encourage us for being part of this arcade community it's not good decision

mohanarcade

Nicely said , thanks for giving me wonderful opportunity to me 🙏

I completed cloud all skill badges and trivia game and arcade games also thanks for providing this arcade facilitator program 25 thanks once again

Mayank Sharma

Yugali. 🙏

amreshkush784

@Yugali

Aapse ye ummeed nahi thi yugali mam🙂

Arfa_Karim

Actually, most Arcade participants actively work in the lab to gain new skills and genuinely feel they deserve the best swag as a reward for their efforts.

However, there’s one thing that stands out—swag items tend to be repetitive. Every season, it's usually the same: backpacks, t-shirts, and bottles. While appreciated, these items lack novelty.

For instance, a sling laptop bag has never been introduced in Arcade, even though it's a dream item for many participants like myself.

Similarly, there’s been no variation in color themes. Swag apparel such as t-shirts and hoodies are always in black and grey—there’s never anything different like blue, red, green, or yellow.

Many participants are growing tired of collecting similar-looking items season after season. It feels like there hasn’t been any fresh or innovative swag in the past 6–7 months—just the same standard items being released.

There’s a whole world of unique items that could be curated and appreciatively gifted to participants—but the standard, limited selection and same style shouldn’t be repeated every time.

We strongly request Google Cloud Arcade to consider bringing fresh, unique, and creative swag items in each season to keep the community excited, engaged, and motivated. A little innovation in design and color can go a long way in keeping the Arcade spirit alive!

mohanarcade

Thank you sir for giving me this wonderful opportunity 🙏🙂

bimsara

Ma’am, we truly appreciate the learning through Google Cloud Arcade 🙏. But removing the hoodie was really disappointing 😞.After putting so much effort, especially for Legend tier, a hoodie feels more deserving 💪.Please, if possible, consider bringing it back .winter is coming 🧥❄️

Pradyumna59

Hey Arcade Team,

Thanks for the clarification. Honestly, the polo t-shirt isn't really what I'm looking for. With winter coming up, a hoodie is what's truly needed and would be much more practical. It's great to hear hoodies are returning, and I really hope they make it back in time for the colder weather.

Abhishek213

Physical swags should be removed instead cert vouchers & career fair should be organised in all ciies

Dula_Fernando

Agree 100%.

Main focus should be on learning and getting certified and career growth.

If Google need to distribute swags, maybe it's a good idea to bring back swags when you pass a certification.

Which i think will increase the motivation to learn and get certified.

Ultimately increasing the number ofGCP certified individuals.

SR0009

This is ridiculous. The prize counter should have been revealed before the season even started. Earlier this season, the Hoodie was clearly listed as part of the prize path. If you already planned to remove it, why bother showing it on the arcade page at all? That’s misleading and unfair to the players who were working toward it.

akshayramaiya

Yes

Spy300

Dear Arcade Team,

Thank you for your thoughtful message and for the continued efforts in making the Google Cloud Arcade a valuable learning initiative. I appreciate the transparency regarding the recent changes to the prize offerings and understand that these decisions involve multiple considerations.

However, I would like to offer some feedback regarding the current structure of certain Arcade games and trivia challenges. Specifically, I’ve noticed that some of these include incentives for being among the first 50 people to complete a game or trivia in order to receive bonus points. While I understand the intention might be to encourage prompt participation, this approach inadvertently shifts the focus from learning to speed.

This structure can lead users to rush through labs without absorbing the content, which is counterproductive to the core purpose of Arcade: to learn and grow professionally. In cases where a game includes more than 150 labs, the limitations on completing only 15 labs per day—combined with the urgency to be among the fastest—can create pressure rather than promote thoughtful engagement.

I believe Arcade is a powerful platform to encourage meaningful, skill-based learning in a gamified environment. It would be great if future campaigns could consider more balanced reward mechanisms that promote depth of learning over speed.

Thank you again for your dedication and for providing this valuable program. I look forward to participating in the upcoming seasons and continuing to grow my cloud skills through Arcade.

RAOKS

In addition to above. Work Meets play arcade games demands High end hardware, Higher internet speed, UPS backup, SDK etc. and you need to keep on refresh page (lot of time and energy wasted) to know game uploaded update on arcade website . This is leading to more of luck than skill.

I have observed @Yugali and Google team always encourages learning and giving platform to gamers to learn. I request to launch better version of this game which encourages more of learning and equal opportunity.

Suggestion: Please consider sending mails to arcade subscribers (who subscribed for particular season) when games are uploaded on arcade page.

I sincerely have high regards and respect for @Yugali ,other Google team members and Qwiklabs support team members working continuously to ensure learning goes on...…..

I request all community members to maintain some decorum when posting messages.

seankhurana

Honestly, what we get as swag doesn't matter too much, as long as it's practical and usable.

For example, I still have a 3D pen from a previous cohort that's packed away because I honestly have no need for it (I can just 3D print). On the other hand, the diary from this season has been fantastic; I've turned it into a paint journal where I sketch and paint while traveling on the Metro. The colored pens are all black, so I can't really use them for that, but the bag is amazing!

On a more important note, my cloud skills have significantly improved thanks to Arcade. I've now completed every single skill badge available and I'm just looking for some professional experience to build on that.

And a huge shoutout to the Support team for their prompt replies and excellent help from the backend!
@Yugali

SR_10034

Hello Arcade Team,

This all sounds fun for a change but the milestone of reaching 85 and still getting the same swag as that of other two tiers that isnt fair in my opinion so i would request for the hoodie to make a comeback as by the time it reaches us it will be winter and polo t shirt would be of no use by that time.

thanks

RAOKS

There may be some common swags among Prize tiers. But after launching all swags of all tiers , there will be clear difference between swags of Prize tiers. Efforts won't go waste.

In the end there will be 6 to 7 swags in higher prize tiers ( I am posting this based on previous season swags information)

AbhishekSanu

Next time let the swag be the secret by delivery time