As video games are becoming a major part of mainstream entertainment, the opportunity to do something socially responsible with the medium has arrived. In 2007, Xbox has partnered with Games for Change and Microsoft’s Imagine Cup Competition to launch the "Xbox 360 Games for Change Challenge,” which will represent the first time a game development category has been available during the Imagine Cup. Students will face the ultimate test of their creative and technical skills as they create a game that is not only entertaining but has a social message about creating a sustainable environment. The theme of Imagine Cup 2008, “Imagine a world where technology enables a sustainable environment,” is a challenge to top student technologists around the world to actively contribute to the mission of protecting our world for generations to come.
Using Microsoft's ground-breaking new XNA Game Studio 2.0, competing students from around the world will have the chance to gain international exposure for their games. Not only will cash prizes be awarded, these winners will then have an opportunity to come to Microsoft and present their entry to the Microsoft games management team for possible inclusion as a download in the popular Xbox LIVE Arcade service or MSN Games Web site. The first place team or individual will also win the opportunity to become an apprentice at Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business as part of its internship program. We're announcing the winner in summer 2008 at the worldwide finals in Paris, France.
You can find out more about the competition, including official rules and how you can enter, by clicking on the Imagine Cup logo. And check back here soon for information on upcoming Imagine Cup events!
Games for Change provides support, visibility and shared resources to individuals and organizations using digital games for social change. Now in its fourth year, the Games for Change Festival brings together academics, game creators, nonprofit representatives, business executives, and activists to discuss the impact of games on our culture, and evaluate the potential for a new genre of socially minded video games.
XNA Game Studio 2.0 enables hobbyists, academics, and independent game developers to easily create videogames for Windows and Xbox 360™ using optimized cross-platform gaming libraries based on .NET. Combined with an active membership in the XNA Creators Club (available from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace), you can also create, debug, and play games on your Xbox 360 console.
