Microsoft Announces Dream-Build-Play Finalists

Author: by Beth A.

In early 2007, Microsoft announced a challenge directed at aspiring game developers around the world to "dream big and build an original game" for Windows or Xbox 360 using XNA Game Studio Express. In a short amount of time, they received hundreds of game submissions. After the judges reviewed all of the submissions, they chose the top 20 entries. The finalists will enter the final round of judging and the three winners will be announced later in August during the Gamefest 2007 keynote. The grand prize is an opportunity to sign a publishing contract Xbox Live Arcade. Game titles include Big Sky, Blazing Birds, Burning Angels, Chaos, Gravitron Ultra, Gunstyle, Hasta la muerte, Hippocrate's Dilemma, HurricaneX, Little Gamers, Magic Crystals, Proximity HD, Ragu, Rocketball, Samurai Soul Hunters (pictured), Shuggy, Sprockets of Strife, The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai, Viduce, and Yo Ho Kablammo! Microsoft's Dave Mitchell commented, "Not only did our community rise to the challenge but the quantity and quality of entries blew the judges away. Simply put – you all have proven without a doubt that a tremendous amount of talent and creativity lies within hobbyists, students and indie game developers." For screenshots and more information on all of the finalists' titles, visit Microsoft's official Dream-Build-Play website.