Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Q. When can I enter?

A. The system will be open for entries starting on November 15, 2011 and will stay open until March 23, 2012.

Q. What will happen to my Intellectual Property (IP)?

A. You will continue to own your IP. We will ask you to grant us limited rights to use your submissions. Please review all of the rules for further information on use of Intellectual Property.

Q. Which criteria define what you consider a game?

A. In the Cooney Center report, Game Changer: Investing in Digital Play to Advance Children's Learning and Health, a game is defined as: "A voluntary activity structured by rules, with a defined outcome (winning, losing) or other quantifiable feedback (e.g., points) that facilitates reliable comparisons of in-player performances. Klopfer, Osterweil,& Salen (2009) in Moving Learning Games Forward, go on to define a "Digital-learning game" as: "...differing from both games of entertainment and games for training, targets the acquisition of knowledge as its own end and fosters habits of mind and understanding that are generally useful or useful within an academic context."

Q. Can I use Intellectual Property in my game that I (or my team) did not personally create?

A. The concept and design of your game, characters and narrative (if present) must be your own original work and Intellectual Property. You may incorporate third party IP in your game (for example art, music and software libraries) provided you can demonstrate that you have a legal right to incorporate the material.

Educators and College Students

Q. What is meant by a "playable prototype"?

A. We will accept two types of prototypes: (1) a video on the Web via a YouTube link of a game prototype being played or (2) a URL where judges can find a prototype of the game to play themselves. The prototype does not need to be on the platform where the game will ultimately be distributed.

Q. I am 17 years old, and a full-time university student, may I apply to the Collegiate Competition?

A. Sorry, all applicants to the Collegiate Category must be 18 years old at the date of submission.

Q. What qualifies someone to submit to the Educator Category?

A. For the purposes of this competition, educators are defined as professionals with active teaching certifications at the pre K-12 levels, and any professional currently teaching or engaging children through a youth serving, non-profit organization as designated by their status as defined by the IRS (ie a 501(c)3).

Q. I am a professor/instructor at the college (graduate or undergraduate) level. May I submit an entry to the Educator Category?

A. Unless you also meet the definition of an educator as listed above, you may not submit an entry to the Educator category.

Middle School and High School Categories

Q. I am older or younger than the grade levels or ages specified for the Middle or High School Categories. Can I still enter?

A. No. The Middle School Category is open to students in grades 5-8 (or home schooled students of equivalent age) only. The High School Category is open to students in grades 9-12 (or home schooled students of equivalent age) only.

Q. I would like to create a game using a tool that is not listed in the Resources section of the Challenge website. Is this ok?

A. Yes. Please see our Open Platform page for more information.

Q. Can more than one student collaborate on a project?

A. Only individuals may submit games to the Middle School and High School Categories, with the exception of the special group streams. For these streams, up to four individuals may submit a project together as a team, provided all four team members meet the eligibility requirements. Please see the Official Rules for more information.

Q. I am a student at a Department of Defense/DoDEA overseas school. May I participate in the Challenge?

A. Yes, as long as you meet the other eligibility requirements.

Q. I am a teacher. Can I sign my students up to participate in the Middle School or High School categories as part of a school assignment, class or optional activity?

A. Sure! We've even created a simplied registration process for you that you can access here. Please be sure to read the official rules for information and requirements for teachers enrolling their students in the challenge.