What is the Imagine Cup? Over 130,000 students from 100 countries entered in 2007 Each year features a unique altruistic theme, encouraging students to tackle the world’s toughest problems

History of the Imagine Cup Barcelona, Spain Imagine Cup formed Sao Paulo, Brazil “Imagine a world where smart technology makes everyday life easier” 2005: - Yokohama, Japan “Imagine a world where technology dissolves boundaries” 2006: Agra, India “Imagine a world where technology enables us to live healthier lives ” 2007: Seoul, South Korea “Imagine a world where technology enables a better education for all” 2008: Paris, France “Imagine a world where technology enables a sustainable environment”

Who Participates? Competitors: University and high school students studying: Software Design Computer Networking Game Dev IT Photography Film User Interface Design Mentors: Professors, teachers, and past competitors Supporters: Government ministries and UNESCO

One world. Unlimited possibilities. Why do students participate in the Imagine Cup? To improve technical skills78% To travel to worldwide finals45% To add experience to their résumé44% To have the experience of working with a team42% The opportunity to win the grand prize money42% The opportunity to do positive for humankind36% To build a network with other participants or professionals35% Encouraged by colleague or mentor32% To gain skills to necessary to start my own company29% For a chance to participate in the Innovation Accelerator24% To fulfill a dream of winning the Imagine Cup23% To develop an application which could be sold for profit22% “I wish there had been an Imagine Cup when I was growing up. It gets people involved in seeing that software is changing the world.” - Bill Gates, Chairman, Microsoft Corp.

Incentives include over $200,000 USD in cash prizes, Internships, Scholarships, and more

With 9 Invitationals to Choose From Why the Imagine Cup 2008 Game Development Invitational?

What is a Video Game? A video game is a game that involves interaction with a user interface to generate visual feedback on a video device. The word video in video game traditionally refers to a raster display device. However, with the popular use of the term "video game", it now implies any type of display device. The electronic systems used to play video games are known as platforms; examples of these are personal computers and video game consoles. These platforms are broad in range, from large computers to small handheld devices. Specialized video games such as arcade games, while previously common, have gradually declined in use. Using Microsoft's ground-breaking new XNA Game Studio, competing students from around the world will have the chance to develop games for either the PC or for the first time on the Xbox360. A Creators Club membership is required for Xbox360 development.

Video Games are everywhere! Video game sales topped $6.4 BILLION in % of American Consumers will purchase a video game in 2007

Jobs in the Video Game Industry The game industry employs those experienced in other traditional businesses, but some have experience tailored to the game industry. For example, many recruiters target just game industry professionals. Some of the disciplines specific to the game industry include: Game Programmer Game Designer Level Designer Game Producer Game Artist Game Tester Most of these professionals are employed by video game developers or video game publishers. However, many hobbyists also produce computer games and sell them commercially. Quick fact: Game developers have a median starting salary of $73,000

Page 11 The Game Development Invitational Test your skills as a game developer and see if you can design and develop the next great game. Challenge yourself to develop a game that is both fun and socially responsible. Participate in the Xbox Games 4 Change challenge and develop a game based on this year’s theme: Organize your team of up to 4 people and download: If you want to make your game for the Xbox360 you’ll need a Creators Club subscription. Learn more at

Page 12 How it Works Round 1Round 2Finals

The Road to Paris Sept 2007 Registration Opens Round 1 Begins Feb Round 1 Closes Feb Round 2 Begins May Round 2 Closes May World Finalists Announced July Worldwide Finals in Paris, France

Page 14 Game Development Invitational Prizes Advance to the Worldwide Finals, and win an all- expense paid trip to Paris, France. First Prize$15,000 Additional First Prize from Xbox Games 4 Change Challenge $10,000 Total First Prize$25,000 Second Prize$10,000 Additional Second Prize from Xbox Games 4 Change Challenge $5,000 Total Second Prize$15,000 Third Prize$5,000 Additional Third Prize from Xbox Games 4 Change Challenge $5,000 Total Third Prize$10,000

“The high caliber of the students and their projects is an indication of their potential to become great business and technology leaders, and a hint at how a new generation of innovations can have a lasting and transformative impact.” Craig Mundie Chief Research and Strategy Officer Microsoft

Page 16 Step up to the Challenge! Register at:

Join the Game Development invitational!