GameFest 2007: Dream-Build-Play winners announced
And fresh from the press wire, Microsoft has officially announced the winners of the Dream-Build-Play game development contest at this year’s Game Technology Conference of Microsoft, dubbed GameFest 2007. And out of more than 4,500 budding XNA Game Studio minds and craftsmen from 100 countries worldwide, a shining 20 individuals have stepped gracefully into Microsoft’s favor.
And two of them were tied for first place. David Flook of Ontario (Blazing Birds) and James Silva of New York (The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai) bagged the top prize – namely publishing contracts with Xbox LIVE Arcade, US$ 10,000 in cold cash each, and a slew of other unmentioned prizes.
Runner up positions were claimed by Steve Olofsson of Sweden (Gravitron Ultra) and Daniel McGuire of the UK (Yo Ho Kablammo!). The two were also invited to publish their games on Xbox LIVE Arcade, while being offered US$ 5,000 each in cash prize money and other unmentioned prizes. 16 others were recognized with the top four, although particulars were not revealed.
The results, it appears, has taken Microsoft by surprise. “The games we received in the Dream-Build-Play competition are truly inspiring. Created in just four short months using XNA Game Studio, these games demonstrate an incredible range of innovation, fun gameplay and technical achievement.” said XNA general manager Chris Satchell.
The participation of many fledging game developers – together with their varied creativity, technical know-how and fusion of fun and concept in a short time span – has put the independent game development segment back into focus. “ItÂ’s aspiring, independent developers like these who are really driving our industry,” said content director Bryan Tussel of Microsoft Casual Games, and we’re inclined to agree.
And fresh from the press wire, Microsoft has officially announced the winners of the Dream-Build-Play game development contest at this year’s Game Technology Conference of Microsoft, dubbed GameFest 2007. And out of more than 4,500 budding XNA Game Studio minds and craftsmen from 100 countries worldwide, a shining 20 individuals have stepped gracefully into Microsoft’s favor.
And two of them were tied for first place. David Flook of Ontario (Blazing Birds) and James Silva of New York (The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai) bagged the top prize – namely publishing contracts with Xbox LIVE Arcade, US$ 10,000 in cold cash each, and a slew of other unmentioned prizes.
Runner up positions were claimed by Steve Olofsson of Sweden (Gravitron Ultra) and Daniel McGuire of the UK (Yo Ho Kablammo!). The two were also invited to publish their games on Xbox LIVE Arcade, while being offered US$ 5,000 each in cash prize money and other unmentioned prizes. 16 others were recognized with the top four, although particulars were not revealed.
The results, it appears, has taken Microsoft by surprise. “The games we received in the Dream-Build-Play competition are truly inspiring. Created in just four short months using XNA Game Studio, these games demonstrate an incredible range of innovation, fun gameplay and technical achievement.” said XNA general manager Chris Satchell.
The participation of many fledging game developers – together with their varied creativity, technical know-how and fusion of fun and concept in a short time span – has put the independent game development segment back into focus. “ItÂ’s aspiring, independent developers like these who are really driving our industry,” said content director Bryan Tussel of Microsoft Casual Games, and we’re inclined to agree.