14 DAY TRIAL // If you're thinking that Windows 8 and 8.1 are two appealing platforms that represent a terrific opportunity for developers looking to make the most of users' growing appetite for apps, we've got some pretty exciting news for you.
Microsoft today announced a new contest that gives you the chance to win no less than $50,000 (36,500 euros) if you create a Windows 8 game in Unity and bring it in the Windows Store.
The company says that the overall quality of the game is the most important criterion if you'd like to win the grand prize, so make sure that what you build is a very addictive title that features awesome graphics and unique features.
“Unity Developers - do you have a solid idea for a winning game but have been waiting for the right opportunity to showcase it? We are celebrating the anniversary of the collaboration between Microsoft and Unity with a Unity Game Developer contest, so bring your most creative, addictive games to the challenge. Quality is most important - submit your visually stunning and immersive entries and you could walk away with the grand prize of $50,000,” Microsoft said in a statement rolled out this morning.
Of course, Microsoft wants developers to create universal apps that could be installed on both Windows and Windows Phone, so if your games can run on both platforms, you might end up with a fair advantage.
The games must be published in the store by July 20, 2014, the software giant announced. Anyone can participate, with the exception of developers living Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan or Syria. Entrants must download and use Unity 4.3.4 and rely solely on Visual Studio 2013 in any SKU they like.
“We look forward to your submissions for Windows, Windows Phone or better yet both. And there are plenty of goodies to share, there are over $100,000 in prizes to give away to super talented developers out there,” Microsoft added in the official announcement of the contest.
According to the software giant, the contest winner will get the grand prize of $50,000 (36,500 Euros), while the runner-up will also be rewarded with $30,000 (21,930 euros). The second prize brings you $10,000 (7,300 euros), while 20 other entrants will receive a Unity Pro license, each with an estimated value of $1,500 (1,100 euros). Overall, Microsoft is offering prizes worth $120,000 (87,750 euros), according to the official rules of the competition.