The impressive judging panel, which will be led by Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO, Entertainment Software Association (ESA), includes established and illustrious personalities from across the game industry:
- Kazuhiko Abe, President & CEO, Capcom
- Laurent Detoc, President, Ubisoft
- Christopher Grant, Editor in Chief, Polygon
- Lou Kesten, Video game reviewer, Associated Press
- Matias Myllyrinne, CEO, Remedy Entertainment
- Jake Solomon, Lead Designer, Firaxis
- Noah Hughes, Creative Director, Crystal Dynamics
“This sterling lineup represents some of the best and most respected talent in our field and we are grateful for their support,” said Rich Taylor, senior vice president of communications and industry affairs at the ESA. “Encouraging and recognizing academic talent is crucial in paving our industry’s future and ESA is pleased to honor outstanding student achievement and to provide a deserved spotlight at E3.”
The recently launched competition is aimed towards colleges and universities with computer and video game development programs. Each higher education institution will submit one game representing their college or university and finalists will receive a special showcase display and related opportunities at this year’s E3, the world's premier trade show for computer and video games.
The competition will target almost 400 U.S. colleges, universities, art and trade schools offering video game courses, certificates and degree programs. Competing schools are required to submit story details and content assets from their own playable video game, which will be judged by a specially selected panel of game industry veterans and media professionals.
Five competition finalists will be offered the opportunity to present their games at the Los Angeles-based E3 show where they can also mingle with top game industry figures including publishers, developers, venture capital and marketing executives.
Important competition dates:
- Final deadline for submissions is April 19, 2013
- Finalists will be notified on May 10, 2013
- The winner will be announced during E3
ESA will provide complete instructions to participating schools including guidelines on specific design, concept and key asset requirements. Universities and colleges interested in more information on the competition rules and submission requirements should email ESA@theESA.com.