United States Game Design Competition Official Rules

These are the Official rules that govern how the Imagine Cup 2010 United States Game Design competition promotion will operate. This promotion will be simply referred to as the “competition” throughout the rest of these Rules.

In these Rules, “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Microsoft Corporation, the sponsor of the competition. “You,” “yourself” refers to an eligible competition entrant.

This is a skill-based competition and chance plays no part in the determination of the winners. The object of the competition is described below.

This competition starts at 12:01 AM Pacific Time (PT) on September 3, 2009, and ends at 11:59 PM PT on March 15, 2010 (“Entry Period”). The Entry Period consists of five (5) 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.

The competition sign up period begins at 12:01 AM PT on September 3, 2009, and ends at 11:59 PM PT on March 15, 2010 ("Registration Period").

You are eligible to enter this competition if you meet the following requirements:

• 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 located in the 50 United States (including the District of Columbia) at any time between January 2, 2009 and May 31, 2010; and
• You are NOT an employee or intern of Microsoft Corporation, or an employee of a Microsoft subsidiary during any of the dates listed above; and
• You are NOT a previous winner of the Imagine Cup US Game Design Competition; 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, 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.

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.

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. In addition, although you may not compete as a member of multiple Teams in this Competition, you may compete as a member of a different team in a different 2010 Imagine Cup Invitational.

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.

To be eligible, your entry/entry materials must meet the following content and technical requirements:

• All games must have been developed either using Microsoft® XNA™ Game Studio 3.0 or later; Visual Studio or Silverlight technologies.
• Your game must be developed for working on one or more of the following: on a browser (Internet Explorer 7 or later); or the Microsoft Xbox 360 gaming system; or the Zune; or on a Windows Operating Systems (Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista, or Windows 7) and playable on a Windows PC for the purposes of judging.
• The content of the Game must address a social cause connected to the 2010 Imagine Cup Theme: “Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems”
• 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).
• The judges must be able to play the Game, as specified in the XNA Game Studio Toolkit.
• All entry materials must be submitted and presented in the English language.
• If pre-existing source code is incorporated into the Game, then this pre-existing source code must be clearly identified in the Game Summary (this description does not count toward the 150 word limit but please be brief). Before incorporating any pre-existing source code in the Game, make sure that your inclusion of such pre-existing source code in your Game does not infringe on any third party rights, and is used in accordance with all applicable licensing and use terms.

In addition, to be eligible for consideration, you must submit the materials described below during each round:

Fall and Spring Round 1 – Qualifying

Game Design Entry Deliverables

Using the templates that we will provide at www.imaginecup.us, complete and submit the following:

• Storyboard of your game

Fall and Spring Round 2 –Semi Finals

Game Design Entry Deliverables

Game demo:

• Included in your .zip file submission as an electronic file of no more than 150 MB in size in the .ccgame format.
• Do not include any source code in your .ccgame file. If your .ccgame file includes source code, you will be disqualified.

Playable video game application:

• Included in your .zip file submission as an installable application (either a setup.exe or .MSI file of no more than 300 MB.
• 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.

Game summary:

• Included in your .zip file submission as an electronic file in the .doc, .docx, .pdf or .txt file format
• A short description (150 words maximum) of the Game including its premise, unique game play features and how it addresses the 2010 Imagine Cup Theme. If pre-existing source code is incorporated into the Game, then this pre-existing source code must be clearly identified in the Game Summary (this description does not count toward the 150 word limit but please be brief). Before incorporating any pre-existing source code in the Game, make sure that your inclusion of such pre-existing source code in your Game does not infringe on any third party rights, and is used in accordance with all applicable licensing and use terms.

Game play instructions:

• Included in your .zip file submission either as a game screen (.jpg file) or as a text in a readme file (name your file as readme only).

Round 3– US Finals

Game Design Deliverables

During Round 3, your Team must create and submit the materials described below:

100% playable game:

• Included in your .zip file submission as an electronic file of no more than 150 MB in size in the .ccgame format. Do not include any source code in your .ccgame file. If your .ccgame file includes source code, you will be disqualified.
• A 100% playable video game application, based on the Game Demo submitted in Round 1; at least one complete level and near final graphics required.

Game summary:

• Included in your .zip file submission as an electronic file in the .doc, .docx, .pdf or .txt file format.
• Write a description (200 words maximum) of the Game including its premise, unique game play features and how it addresses the 2010 Imagine Cup Theme. If pre-existing source code is incorporated into the Game, then this pre-existing source code must be clearly identified in the Game Summary. Before incorporating any pre-existing source code in the Game, make sure that your inclusion of such pre-existing source code does not infringe on any third party rights, and is used in accordance with all applicable licensing and use terms.

Three (3) game screenshots:

• 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.
• 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.

Game play instructions:

• Included in your .zip file submission as a game screen (.jpg file) or as a text in a readme file (name your file as readme only).

Game video:

• Included in your .zip file submission as an electronic file of no more than 25MB in the following file formats: .avi. .wmv, .mpeg, .mp4.
• Create a short video (3 minutes max) that depicts the functionality and game play features of the Game.

Other Requirements:

In addition to the Competition Category-specific 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:

• your entry, including its supporting materials, is your own original work; and
• your entry only includes material (including music, video or images) that you own, or that you have permission from the copyright / trademark owner to use; and
• you have obtained permission from any recognizable person (parent/guardian, if a minor) that appears in your entry to submit your entry in this Competition and to use their personal data in the entry for the purposes of the Competition (if applicable); and

We will disqualify 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.

Fall and Spring Round 1 - Qualifying

To submit your entry for Round 1 in either category, you must navigate to www.imaginecup.us and submit your entry materials as instructed.

Fall and Spring Round 2 –Semi-Finals

Round 3 – US Finals ound 3 – US Finals

If you advance to Round 3 of this competition, Microsoft will provide you with entry submission requirements prior to the start of Round 3.

Round 1 and 2: We will only accept one (1) entry per team during the Fall Series and one (1) entry per team during the Spring Series.

Round 3: 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 Round 2 Entry Period, the judges will review all eligible entries received, and invite five (5) of the top Teams to advance to compete in Round 3. For the Fall series, finalists will be announced on or around December 14, 2009. For the Spring series, finalists will be announced on or around March 30, 2010.

Fall and Spring Round 2 Game Design Judging Criteria

• 20% Innovation: How creative and technically unique is the Game.
• 20% Theme: How well the Game addresses the 2010 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 Video and Presentation to judges in each one of the rounds.

Round 3 – US Finals

On around the close of the Round 3 Entry Period, the judges will review all eligible entries received in each competition category. In the SDI category, the judges will determine one (1) Grand Prize Winner, one (1) First Prize Winner, and one (1) Second Prize Winner based upon the applicable judging criteria. In the SDI - Mobile Device Award category, the judges will determine one (1) Grand Prize Winner based upon the applicable judging criteria.

Round 3 SDI Judging Criteria

• 20% Innovation: How creative and technically unique is the Game.
• 20% Theme: How well the Game addresses the 2010 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 Video 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

• are granting us an irrevocable, worldwide right and license to: (i) reproduce, copy, modify or alter your entry with all known all later developed means; (ii) use, review, assess, test and otherwise analyze your entry and all its content in connection with this competition and (ii) feature your entry and all its content in connection with the promotion of this competition in all media (now known or later developed); and
• agree to sign any necessary documentation that may be required for us and our designees to make use of the rights you granted above; and
• understand and acknowledge that that Microsoft and other entrants may have developed or commissioned materials similar or identical to your submission and you waive any claims you may have resulting from any similarities to your entry; and
• understand that we cannot control the incoming information you will disclose to our representatives in the course of entering, or what our representatives will remember about your entry. You also understand that we will not restrict work assignments of representatives who have had access to your entry. By entering this competition, you agree that use of information in our representatives’ unaided memories in the development or deployment of our products or services does not create liability for us under this agreement or copyright or trade secret law; and
• understand that you will not receive any compensation or credit for use of your entry, other than what is described in these Official Rules.

Please note that your entry may be posted on a website selected by us for viewing by visitors to that website. We are not responsible for any unauthorized use of your entry by visitors to this website. While we reserve these rights, we are not obligated to use your entry for any purpose, even if it has been selected as a winning entry.

If you do not want to grant us these rights to your entry, please do not enter this competition.

Round 2 Semi Finals:

Ten (10) First Prizes: For each member of the Team, an invitation to travel, as a guest of Microsoft, to the location of the US Finals (location and exact dates to be announced), to compete in the US Finals. Trip includes round trip air travel, hotel accommodations and select meals (Approximate Retail Value (ARV), $4,800 USD per person).

Round 3 US Finals:

One (1) Grand Prize: A prize package that includes the following:

• $8,000 USD cash, to be divided equally among each member of the team.
• Winners who are interested in pursuing an internship with Microsoft will be contacted by a recruiter.

One (1) First Prize: A prize package that includes the following:

• $4,000 USD cash, to be divided equally among each member of the team.
• Winners who are interested in pursuing an internship with Microsoft will be contacted by a recruiter.

One (1) Second Prize: A prize package that includes the following:

• $3,000 USD cash, to be divided equally among each member of the team.
• Winners who are interested in pursuing an internship with Microsoft will be contacted by a recruiter.

One (1) Third Prize: A prize package that includes the following:

• $1,000 USD cash, to be divided equally among each member of the team.
• Winners who are interested in pursuing an internship with Microsoft will be contacted by a recruiter.

The odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received and the level of skill of each entrant.

All travel prizes for the US finals include round trip coach airfare from major airport closest to your residence, standard double occupancy hotel accommodations (2 people, 1 room), and select meals. Actual value depends on date/time/destination, and difference between actual value and stated value will not be awarded in cash. If you reside within 100 miles of the stated travel destination, we reserve the right to provide alternative means of transportation to and from such destination.

Specifics of travel prize package and travel dates are subject to availability, and may change at any time. Therefore, you must have flexible travel plans. You are solely responsible for obtaining any and all travel documentation (including but not limited to a valid passport and any required travel visas) necessary for travel.

Any expenses not explicitly listed herein, are your sole responsibility. No cancellation of your reservations or transfer of your reservations to another date after reservations have been made will be allowed. If the US Final Event or the 2010 Imagine Cup Worldwide Software Design Invitational Final is canceled, for any reason, we shall have no further obligation to you other than to supply the stated prize minus the opportunity to attend the US Final Event or 2010 Imagine Cup Worldwide Software Design Invitational Final (as applicable). Your travel must be completed on the dates we specify or the prize will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner. You must sign and return a declaration of eligibility, use, indemnity and, where legal, a publicity release before any travel prize will be delivered.

If for any reason the advertised prize is unavailable, unless to do so would be prohibited by law, we reserve the right to substitute a prize(s) of equal or greater value, as permitted. If you are selected as a prize winner in this competition:

• You may not exchange your prize for cash or any other merchandise or services.
• You may not designate someone else as the winner. If you are unable or unwilling to accept your prize, we may award it to the next highest scoring team / entrant.
• If you accept a prize, you will be solely responsible for all applicable taxes related to accepting the prize.
• If you are a minor in your place of residence, we may award the prize to your parent/legal guardian on your behalf.
• Unless otherwise noted, all prizes are subject to their manufacturer’s warranty and / or terms and conditions.

If you are a potential winner, we will notify you by sending a message to the e-mail address, the phone number, or mailing address (if any) listed on your entry within seven (7) days following the determination of winners. If the notification that we send is returned as undeliverable, or you are otherwise unreachable for any reason, we may award the prize to the next highest scoring team / entrant.

If there is a dispute as to who is the potential winner, we will consider the potential winner to be the authorized account holder of the e-mail address used to enter.

If you are a potential winner, we may require you to sign a declaration of eligibility, use, indemnity and liability/publicity release. If you are a potential winner and are a minor in your place of residence, we may require that your parent or legal guardian sign a declaration of eligibility, use, indemnity and liability/publicity release on your behalf. If you, (or your parent/legal guardian if applicable), do not sign and return these required forms within the time period listed on the winner notification message, we may disqualify you and select an alternate winner.

By entering this promotion you agree:

• To abide by these Official Rules; and
• To the extent allowable under applicable law, to release and hold harmless Microsoft and its respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, employees and agents from any and all liability or any injury, loss, damage, right, claim or action of any kind arising from or in connection with this competition or any prize won; and
• That Microsoft’s decisions will be final and binding on all matters related to this competition; and
• That by accepting a prize, Microsoft may use your proper name and state of residence online and in print, or in any other media, in connection with this competition, without payment or compensation to you, except where prohibited by law.

This promotion will be governed by the laws of the State of Washington, and you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts of the State of Washington for any disputes arising out of this Contest.

If someone cheats, or a virus, bug, catastrophic event, or any other unforeseen or unexpected event that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled, (also referred to as force majeure) affects the fairness and / or integrity of this Contest, we reserve the right to cancel, change or suspend this Contest. This right is reserved whether the event is due to human or technical error. If a solution cannot be found to restore the integrity of the Contest, we reserve the right to select winners based on the criteria specified above from among all eligible entries received before we had to cancel, change or suspend the Contest. If you attempt to compromise the integrity or the legitimate operation of this Contest by hacking or by cheating or committing fraud in ANY way, we may seek damages from you to the fullest extent permitted by law. Further, we may ban you from participating in any of our future Contests, so please play fairly

We will post the names of confirmed winners online after each Round of this Contest at: www.imaginecup.us

Microsoft Corporation is the sponsor of this Contest.

Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052
USA

Microsoft’s Privacy Policy will apply to this Competition and to all information that we receive from your entry. Please read the Privacy Policy on the Competition entry page before accepting the Official Rules and submitting your entry. Please note that by accepting the Official Rules you are also accepting the terms of the Privacy Policy.