I just wanted to put together a quick post to clarify some confusion over the Games Development Competition in the Imagine Cup...

The correct format of this competition is:

• Round One:
  1. Game Demo, (Vertical Slice) - Submissions should have at least one playable level that reflects what gameplay and features will be like in the finished version.  Final graphics are not required. 
  2. A design summary. In 500 words or less, briefly describe the game premise and unique gameplay features. Must be in English.
  3. Instructions on how to play. Either in game screen or Readme file.
• Round Two:
  1. 100% Finished Playable game containing a minimum of 1 level. Your game should be built on the same game you submitted in Round 1.
  2. Three screenshots of your finished game. The screenshots must capture the gameplay and style of the game as accurately as possible, and should contain no unfinished artwork or graphical artifacts. JPEGs only.
  3. Instructions on how to play, either in a game screen or a Readme file.

The Judging Criteria for both rounds are:

• 25% Fun Factor: Creativity and technical uniqueness
• 25% Theme Adherence: The game incorporates the Imagine Cup 2008 theme
• 25% Innovation: Intensity, excitement, and entertainment attributes
• 25% Production Quality: Completeness and polish of design, functionality, and thematic execution

The Prizes:

• First Place:  $15,000
  +additional $10,000 from XNA Xbox Games for Change Challenge Committee
  Total of  $25,000
• Second Place:  $10,000
  +additional $5,000 from XNA Xbox Games for Change Challenge Committee
  Total of $15,000
• Third Place:  $5,000
  +additional $5,000 from XNA Xbox Games for Change Challenge Committee
  Total of $10,000

If you haven't already done so please go to imaginecup.co.uk and sign up now for your chance to win and Xbox 360 Elite. There's only 77 days left to enter round one and with so many great prizes up for grabs you'd be mad not to compete.