United States Game Design Competition Rules and Regulations

This competition starts at 5:01 PM Pacific Time (PT) on August 16, 2011, and ends at 4:59 PM PT on March 13, 2012 (“Entry Period”). The Entry Period consists of three (3) separate Rounds as described below. Each round has unique entry requirements and all required entry deliverables must be received within the designated Round in order to be eligible for judging.

Public Voting Period: In addition to the dates listed above, Fall and Spring Semi-Finalist entries will be presented online for public voting at the US Imagine Cup Website (the “Site”) following the close of the Spring Round 2 – Semi-Finals period. The voting period will be from March 23rd, 2011 to April 9th, 2011 on www.imaginecup.us.

The competition sign up period begins at 5:01 PM PT on August 16, 2011, and ends at 4:59 PM PT on March 13, 2012 ("Registration Period").

You are eligible to enter this competition if you meet the following requirements at time of competition sign up:

• You are at least sixteen (16) years of age or older at time of entry; and
• You are a legal resident of the fifty (50) United States (including the District of Columbia); and
• You are actively enrolled as a student (including as a graduate or doctoral student) at an accredited educational institution that grants high-school or college/university (or equivalent) degrees (including homeschools) located in the 50 United States (including the District of Columbia) at any time between January 2, 2011 and May 31, 2012; and
• You are NOT an employee or intern of Microsoft Corporation, or an employee of a Microsoft subsidiary; and
• You are NOT involved in any part of the administration and execution of this competition; and
• You are NOT an immediate family (parent, sibling, spouse, child) or household member of a Microsoft employee, an employee of a Microsoft subsidiary, or a person involved in any part of the administration and execution of this competition.

If you are a Microsoft campus representative, such as a Microsoft Student Partner (see http://student-partners.com), and you meet the eligibility criteria described above, you may enter this competition, but you are prohibited from using Microsoft property or resources, including without limitation, Microsoft networks, hardware tools and technology resources and/or the counsel of Microsoft employees in connection with the creation of your entry. Very simply, you cannot use any resources which are not also broadly available to all other students. If you have any questions, please contact us.

For additional information regarding eligibility verification and changes in eligibility status, please refer to the overall Imagine Cup Official Rules.

This promotion is void outside the geographic region described above and where prohibited by law.

If you wish to participate in this competition, you must register at www.imaginecup.us as instructed during the competition sign up Period.

A team may consist of up to four (4) eligible students (each a "Team"). It is recommended, but not required, that you have one (1) mentor for your Team, in addition to your four (4) Team members. Limit one (1) mentor per Team.

Once you sign up as part of a Team for a Competition, you cannot change Teams or alter your current team (either by adding or removing members) after the close of Round 2.

Each Team is solely responsible for its own cooperation and teamwork. In no event will Microsoft officiate in any dispute regarding the conduct or cooperation of any Team or its members.

For additional important details on signing up for a competition, please see the requirements set forth in the Team and Individual Competitions section of the Imagine Cup Official Rules at: Imagine Cup Official Rules

Please note that the intent and spirit of the competition is to test the skills and creativity of the student entrants. Anyone acting as a team mentor, or in an mentorship role, where allowed (for example, local, regional, or global sponsors), must limit the level of support provided to student entrants to general guidance and must not contribute in any way that may be considered original authorship, or in a way that may enable claims of rights or ownership to the submitted entries. In no event will work-on-behalf of teams or individuals be allowed.

Choosing a Game Design Competition Track

New to the Imagine Cup 2011 Game Design Competition, two competition tracks are offered:

1. Xbox/Windows
2. Phone

When competing in the Game Design Competition, your Team must select the Game Design Track(s) in which your Team chooses to compete. You are allowed to sign up and compete in multiple Game Design Track(s) however you can only be a member of one team per Game Design track.

Regardless of the game track you select, all your Team’s entry materials must meet the following required general content and technical requirements:

1. All games must have been developed either using Microsoft® XNA™ Game Studio 4.0 or later; Visual Studio, HTML 4.0 or greater, or Silverlight technologies.
2. Your game must be developed for one of the following environments:
• Competition Track #1: The game must be designed for the Microsoft Xbox 360 gaming system or Microsoft Windows environments, but must be playable on a Windows PC (as specified in the XNA Game Studio Toolkit) using either a keyboard and mouse, or Xbox 360 controller for the purposes of judging.
• Competition Track #2: The game must work on a Windows Phone mobile device or the Windows Phone mobile device emulator or Zune or Zune HD and developed in Microsoft XNA Game Studio 4.0 or later, or Windows Phone mobile device or Windows Phone emulator using Silverlight technologies.
3. The content of the Game must address a social cause connected to the 2012 Imagine Cup Theme: “Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems”.
4. The content of the Game must be equivalent to an Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating of “E” for Everyone. (See http://www.esrb.org for details).
5. The judges must be able to play the Game, as specified in the XNA Game Studio Toolkit for XNA-based games, or in the case of a Silverlight game, be able to be hosted by IIS. If the game is built on Silverlight and hosted in a web browser, it must be available to be played offline – games that require some of their code to be hosted and executed on a remote server will not be eligible. Games that require unusual server technologies apart from database storage – as long as it can be automatically set up to be hosted by IIS – are not eligible.
6. ClickOnce deployment is only permissible for XNA and Silverlight entries if the set up in its entirety is delivered as part of the submission. Those ClickOnce setup projects submitted that require internet connectivity to download components of the games will be disqualified immediately.
7. All entry materials must be submitted and presented in the English language. If a translator is needed, you are responsible to procure and make use of one.
8. Important note on Copyright: Your team’s entire entry must only include material (including source code – both open source and third party sourced, music, video or images) that you own or that you have permission from the copyright/trademark owner to use. Note: Your team’s entry may not include copyrighted materials (such as source code, background music, images or video) unless you own or have permission to use the materials. Your team’s entry will be disqualified if copyrighted material is included without appropriate licensing or permissions. If you do use permissible copyrighted materials, you must include the permissions information within the game summary document. Your team’s entry will be disqualified if permissions information is not included. Note that even material released under Creative Commons, common open source code licenses, and other similar licensing may need permission or acknowledgement as per the specific license.

In addition to the content and technical requirements described above, in order to be eligible for judging, all entries must meet the following general standards:

• The content of your entry and any supporting materials must be suitable for all viewing audiences. Any material containing text, sound or images that we or the judges, in their sole opinion, determine to be vulgar, offensive or otherwise inappropriate for public viewing or content that would present Microsoft or other companies in a negative light will be disqualified.

In addition, by submitting your entry into this game you confirm that, to the best of your knowledge:

• The entirety of the entry is your/your teams original work; and
• For Competitions which require a video entry, please note the video must be solely the work of the team, including but not limited to, the actual filming, editing, graphic design, etc of the video.
• You/your teams have obtained any and all consents, approvals, or licenses required for you to submit your entry; and
• Your/your teams entry does not include any third party trademarks (logos, names) or copyrighted materials (music, images, video, recognizable people) unless you have obtained permission to use the materials. You may include Microsoft trademarks, logos, and designs, for which Microsoft grants you a limited license to use for the sole purposes of submitting an entry into this Competition. Note: Your team’s entry may not include copyrighted materials (such as background music, imagines, or video) unless your own or have permission to use the materials. Your team’s entry will be disqualified if copyrighted material is included without permission.

We reserve the right to disqualify or reject any entries that we, in our sole discretion, find to be a duplicate, or the result of collaborative work contrary to these competition details and/or to the spirit of the Competition.

To be eligible for consideration, you must submit the materials described below during each round, regardless of the competition track you have selected:

Fall and Spring Round 1 – Qualifying

Definition: The Game Design Storyboard is an electronic document describing a Game concept in graphical format detailing the unique game play features, concepts, theme, and premise of your game idea.

1. Storyboard may use the template provided here.
2. Storyboard must contain at least four (4) images and at most twenty (20) image panels
3. You must provide a name for your game.
4. Submit via .zip file

Fall and Spring Round 2 - Semi Finals

Definition: The playable game is defined as an installable and playable game in the format for Xbox, Windows, Mobile, or Zune.

1. Included in your .zip file submission as an installable application (using any of the following formats as appropriate: setup.exe, .msi, .ccgame, or .xap) of no more than 300 MB. No source code is permitted and games will be disqualified if they are submitted as development projects.
2. This application should be comprised of at least one (1) playable level that illustrates the game play and features of the final Game that you would like to develop; final graphics are not required, but the Game Demo should represent the conceptual art direction of the Game that you would like to develop.
3. Your game may target the Kinect for Xbox 360 device and/or the slate/touch panel form factor but you must list this as a requirement in the Game Play instructions document so that it can be judged appropriately.

Definition: The Game Summary document is an electronic text document that decribes your Game, the intent of your Game, and detail the unique game play features and how it fits the 2012 Theme. In addition you must include additional attributive information relating to third party content as per the technical requirements below.

1. Included in your .zip file submission as an electronic file in the .doc, .docx, .pdf or .txt file format.
2. A short description (600 characters minimum) of the Game including its name, premise, unique game play features and how it addresses the 2012 Imagine Cup Theme.
3. Important note on Copyright: Your team’s entire entry must only include material (including source code – both open source and third party sourced, music, video or images) that you own or that you have permission from the copyright/trademark owner to use. Note: Your team’s entry may not include copyrighted materials (such as source code, background music, images or video) unless you own or have permission to use the materials. Your team’s entry will be disqualified if copyrighted material is included without appropriate licensing or permissions. If you do use permissible copyrighted materials, you must include the permissions information within the game summary document. Your team’s entry will be disqualified if permissions information is not included. Note that even material released under Creative Commons, common open source code licenses, and other similar licensing may need permission or acknowledgement as per the specific license.

Definition: The Game Play Instructions document is an electronic document that informs the judges and players how to setup and play your Game.

1. Include either a game screen (.jpg file) or text document in .doc, .docx, .pdf, or .txt file format in a readme file.

Definition: The Game Trailer is a video file showcasing your game. It must include a video screen capture of your Team’s Game in action. This video can include narration, team introductions, Gmae presentation information to convey your Game’s premise and intent as well as intended gameplay experiences. At a minimum, this must show your Game in action but can also show intent.

1. Included in your .zip file submission as an electronic file of no more than 200MB in the following file formats: .avi, .wmv, .mp4, .mpeg.
2. Create a short video (at least 3, but not more than 7 minutes) that : (A) introduces each member of the Team; and (B) depicts the functionality and game play features of the Game.
3. The video must include the Imagine Cup Intro and Outro Clips.
   16:9
   Intro Clip
   Outro Clip
   
   
   NTSC Format
   Intro Clip
   Outro Clip
   
   
   PAL Format
   Intro Clip
   Outro Clip

Round 3 - US Finals

Round 3 is a live final round in the US finals location. It is comprised of a number of live presentations and opportunities for judges to go hands on with your game. Here is what you will be required to submit if you advance to Round 3:

• Up to two (2) different 20 minute live presentations and 10 minute Q & A of the video game and how it addresses the 2012 Imagine Cup Theme as well as its development architecture, purpose(s) and benefit(s).
• You must also submit one (1) Playable Game, one (1) Game Summary, one (1) Game Play Instructions, one (1) Game Trailer, and three (3) Game Screenshots.

Definition: The100% playable game is defined as an installable and playable game in the format for Xbox, Windows, Mobile, or Zune. Unlike the game you may have submitted previously, this game needs to have at least one (1) complete level and near final graphics.

1. Included in your .zip file submission as an electronic file of no more than 300 MB in size in the .ccgame or .xap format. Do not submit any source code with your .ccgame or .xap file. If your .ccgame or .xap file includes source code, you could be disqualified.
2. This application should be comprised of at least one (1) fully playable level that illustrates the game play and features of the final Game that you would like to develop and near final graphics required.

1. Included in your .zip file submission as an electronic file in the .doc, .docx, .pdf or .txt file format.
2. A short description (600 characters maximum) of the Game including its name, premise, unique game play features and how it addresses the 2012 Imagine Cup Theme.
3. Important note on Copyright: Your team’s entire entry must only include material (including source code – both open source and third party sourced, music, video or images) that you own or that you have permission from the copyright/trademark owner to use. Note: Your team’s entry may not include copyrighted materials (such as source code, background music, images or video) unless you own or have permission to use the materials. Your team’s entry will be disqualified if copyrighted material is included without appropriate licensing or permissions. If you do use permissible copyrighted materials, you must include the permissions information within the game summary document. Your team’s entry will be disqualified if permissions information is not included. Note that even material released under Creative Commons, common open source code licenses, and other similar licensing may need permission or acknowledgement as per the specific license.

1. Include either a game screen (.jpg file) or text document in .doc, .docx, .pdf, or .txt file format in a readme file.

1. Included in your .zip file submission as an electronic file of no more than 200MB in the following file formats: .avi, .wmv, .mp4, .mpeg.
2. Create a short video (at least 3, but not more than 7 minutes) that : (A) introduces each member of the Team; and (B) depicts the functionality and game play features of the Game.
3. The video must include the Imagine Cup Intro and Outro Clips.

Note: Imagine Cup Intro and Outro Clips will be available on www.imaginecup.us by October 1, 2011.

1. Each included in your .zip file submission as an electronic file in the .jpeg format. The Game Screenshots should not exceed a combined file size of 2MB.
2. Take three (3) screenshots of the Game that capture the game play and style of the Game as accurately as possible; do not include any unfinished artwork or graphical artifacts.

Fall and Spring Round 1 - Qualifying
To submit your entry, you must navigate to www.imaginecup.us and submit your entry materials as instructed.

Fall and Spring Round 2 - Semi-Finals
To submit your entry, you must navigate www.imaginecup.us and submit your entry materials as instructed.

Round 3 - US Finals
If you are selected to advance to the US Finals, Microsoft will provide you with entry submission requirements prior to the start of the US Finals.

Fall and Spring Round 1 – Qualifying and Fall and Spring Round 2 Semi-Finals: We will only accept one (1) entry per team during the Fall Series and one (1) entry per team during the Spring Series per competition category.

Round 3 – US Finals:
We will only accept one (1) entry per team per competition category. We are not responsible for entries that we do not receive for any reason, or for entries that we receive but are not decipherable for any reason.

• Incomplete or illegible entries; and
• Entries that we receive in excess of the entry limit described above

Fall and Spring Round 1 – Qualifying

On or around the close of the Fall or Spring Round 1 Entry Period, the judges will review all entries received. Teams that submitted all required Round 1 entry materials (in compliance with the applicable content and technical requirements, as determined by the judges) will be invited to advance to compete in Round 2.

Fall and Spring Round 2 - Semi-Finals

On or around the close of the Fall and Spring Semi-Finals Entry Period, the judges will review all eligible entries received and select the top three (3) teams in each competition category according to the following criteria:

• 20% Innovation: How creative and technically unique is the Game.
• 20% Theme: How well the Game addresses the 2012 Imagine Cup Theme.
• 20% Fun Factor: How intense, exciting, and entertaining are the attributes of the Game.
• 20% Production Quality: How complete is the Game including its polish of design, functionality, and thematic execution.
• 20% Presentation: How clear and precise is the Game Summary, Game Play Instructions, Game Trailer and Presentation to judges in each one of the rounds.

The winning teams will advance to compete in the US Finals and will also be eligible for the People’s Choice Award described below. If you are selected as a finalist during the Fall Series, you will not be eligible to be selected as a finalist again during the Spring series.

People's Choice Award

The finalists’ entries from both competition tracks will be presented online for public voting at the US Imagine Cup Website (the “Site”) after the close of Round 2. Throughout the Public Voting Period, registered visitors to the site will have the opportunity to visit the Contest Gallery and “vote” for an entry. Methods of voting and voting limitations will be communicated after the close of Round 2.

Round 3 - US Finals

On around the close of the US Finals Entry Period, the judges will review all eligible entries received to determine one (1) First Place Winner, one (1) Second Place Winner, one (1) Third Place Winner, and one (1) Fourth Place Winner in each category according to the following criteria:

• 20% Innovation: How creative and technically unique is the Game.
• 20% Theme: How well the Game addresses the 2012 Imagine Cup Theme.
• 20% Fun Factor: How intense, exciting, and entertaining are the attributes of the Game.
• 20% Production Quality: How complete is the Game including its polish of design, functionality, and thematic execution.
• 20% Presentation: How clear and precise is the Game Summary, Game Play Instructions, Game Trailer and Presentation to judges in each one of the rounds. All decisions of the judges are final and binding. If we do not receive a sufficient number of entries meeting the entry requirements, we may, at our discretion based on the applicable above judging criteria select fewer than the number of winners stated. In the event of a tie between any eligible entries, the tie will be broken by an additional judge who will review the tied entries based on the criteria listed above.

Fall and Spring Round 2 Semi Finals:

Twelve (12) First Prizes (3 per category in Fall and 3 per category in Spring): Each officially registered member of the Team and one officially registered mentor of the team will win a trip to the location of the US Finals (location and exact dates to be announced), to compete in the US Finals in April 2012. Trip includes round trip coach airfare from major airport closest to winners home, standard hotel accommodations, select meals, and activities.

People's Choice Award:

One (1) People's Choice Award Prize. The People’s Choice Award Prize(s) will be communicated after the close of Round 2.

Round 3 - US Finals:

• First Place: $6,000 USD, to be divided equally among each officially registered member of the Team. Winners who are interested in pursuing an internship with Microsoft will be contacted by a recruiter.
  $10,000 USD donation, divided equally amongst each of the winning team member’s departments (or schools).
  PLEASE NOTE: If your school is a public educational institution, the amount allocated to you will be donated directly to your school and subject to Microsoft’s receipt of a gift letter signed by your school’s ethics officer, attorney, or designated executive/office responsible for your school’s gifts/ethics policy. Microsoft seeks to ensure that by making donations in promotional settings it does not create any violation of the letter or spirit of the customer's/entrant’s applicable gifts and ethics rules.
• Second Place: $3,000 USD, to be divided equally among each officially registered member of the Team. Winners who are interested in pursuing an internship with Microsoft will be contacted by a recruiter.
• Third Place: $2,000 USD, to be divided equally among each officially registered member of the Team. Winners who are interested in pursuing an internship with Microsoft will be contacted by a recruiter.
• Fourth Place: $1,000 USD, to be divided equally among each officially registered member of the Team. Winners who are interested in pursuing an internship with Microsoft will be contacted by a recruiter.

• First Place: $6,000 USD, to be divided equally among each officially registered member of the Team. Winners who are interested in pursuing an internship with Microsoft will be contacted by a recruiter.
  $10,000 USD donation, divided equally amongst each of the winning team member’s departments (or schools).
  PLEASE NOTE: If your school is a public educational institution, the amount allocated to you will be donated directly to your school and subject to Microsoft’s receipt of a gift letter signed by your school’s ethics officer, attorney, or designated executive/office responsible for your school’s gifts/ethics policy. Microsoft seeks to ensure that by making donations in promotional settings it does not create any violation of the letter or spirit of the customer's/entrant’s applicable gifts and ethics rules.
• Second Place: $3,000 USD, to be divided equally among each officially registered member of the Team. Winners who are interested in pursuing an internship with Microsoft will be contacted by a recruiter.
• Third Place: $2,000 USD, to be divided equally among each officially registered member of the Team. Winners who are interested in pursuing an internship with Microsoft will be contacted by a recruiter.
• Fourth Place: $1,000 USD, to be divided equally among each officially registered member of the Team. Winners who are interested in pursuing an internship with Microsoft will be contacted by a recruiter.