Dream Build Play Challenge from Microsoft

Microsoft Corp. has opened registration for the Dream.Build.Play 2011 Challenge, a contest sponsored by Microsoft to encourage independent game developers to create fun and innovative games using XNA Game Studio.

Developers can register for the contest at http://www.dreambuildplay.com. Once registered, they have from May 17 to June 14, 2011, to submit their games to the contest.

Each game will be judged by three standards: how fun it is to play, how creative and unique it is, and how well it is produced. Four winners will be given a share of $75,000 (U.S.) and the opportunity to receive an Xbox LIVE Arcade publishing contract.

The grand prize winner will receive $40,000 (U.S.), the first prize winner will receive $20,000 (U.S.), the second prize winner will receive $10,000 (U.S.) and the third prize winner will receive $5,000 (U.S.).

“Microsoft has always valued the creativity and innovative thinking that comes from independent developers,” said Mark Seminatore, principal development manager in the Xbox Advanced Technology Group at Microsoft.

“We’ve hosted the Dream.Build.Play contest for the past five years in an effort to support and nurture that talent.”

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Previous winners, including “Beat Hazard,” “CarneyVale Showtime” and “Weapon of Choice,” have become top sellers on Xbox LIVE Indie Games, says the company.

In addition, several finalists from previous contests received Xbox LIVE Arcade contracts, including 2009’s winner, “Dust: An Elysian Tail.”

All games submitted to the contest need to be created with XNA Game Studio 4.0, which enables developers to make games for Xbox 360, Windows-based PCs and Windows Phones.

Photo courtesy: Microsoft