The Doritos brand and Microsoft today unveiled the much-anticipated, fully playable Xbox Live Arcade game versions for the Xbox 360 of “Avatar Crash Course” created by Jill Robertson of Raleigh, N.C., and “Harm’s Way” created by Justin Carpenter of Ogden, Utah – the two finalists in the Doritos “Unlock Xbox” challenge. This one-of-a-kind competition invited fans in the United States to think of an Xbox Live Arcade game idea that brings to life the bold, intense spirit of the Doritos brand for the chance at the contest grand prize – a $50,000 cash reward and the opportunity to consult with Doritos on gaming for six months. Beginning today, fans can download and play each finalist’s game on Xbox Live and vote for the grand prize winner to be announced live on Xbox Live on Dec. 29, 2010.

This marks the second time PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division has brokered a partnership between the Doritos brand and Microsoft to provide video game enthusiasts the opportunity to play a lead role in developing their own unique video games. After voting closes, fans can continue to play each game online.

“Doritos lovers are passionate about gaming so we created this contest with Xbox to give them an opportunity to make their dreams come true in a unique and ultra-creative way – by developing a video game based on their own ideas and inspiration,” said Rudy Wilson, vice president of marketing, Doritos. “The submissions we received blew us away, and we’re excited to now turn over the fully playable finalist games to our fans so they can help us crown a winner.”

This year’s contest, which was first announced in August 2009, invited fans to submit their creative ideas in the fall of 2009. From there, eight quarter finalists were chosen and fans voted online for their favorites based on video pitches made to Microsoft. Then in early January 2010, the field narrowed to the top-three contenders who traveled to Seattle for one final pitch to executives from Microsoft and Doritos, where the selection of the final two concepts was made.

From January until Dec. 8, 2010, the two finalists worked hand in hand with a renowned team of professional developers to transform their creative visions from paper to full Xbox Live Arcade games. From animation and music to the plot lines and characters, each game holds true to its creator’s vision. The entire process can be experienced through an online documentary video series that fans can watch online.

Avatar Crash Course – Created by Jill Robertson of Raleigh, North Carolina

Robertson’s Avatar Crash Course is high-energy fun everyone.   Full of comical mishaps, players maneuver their avatars through ruthless obstacles and crazy levels as they battle to be number one. Great as a casual party game, enjoy Avatar Crash Course in multiplayer with up to four friends.  Or, go for the challenge of playing solo.  In single player mode, try to level up and beat your best times through the campaign, fighting to achieve the best time and get the gold!  Either way, you’ll have a chance to get great power-ups, such as shoes to run faster and a belt that improves balance. 

Harm’s Way – Created by Justin Carpenter of Ogden, Utah

Carpenter’s Harms Wayis a fast-paced, action-packed race that pairs up drivers and snipers, offering various game modes to choose from.  As a sniper, players will help their driver win by any means necessary.  As a sniper trying to win, players can do anything from block an opponent’s path to create shortcuts that earn nitrous!   When you’re the driver, players will want to be aggressive and ram the other cars off the road.  Enjoy four-player split screens, online play and plenty of explosions!