Providing the opportunity for game developers to create visions in a world where they make the rules, shape the characters and create the evolution of the story, Microsoft Corp. today kicked off the Dream-Build-Play game development contest, offering a $10,000 (U.S.) grand prize and the opportunity for a winner�s game to be published on Xbox LIVE� Arcade, the premier destination for digitally distributed, high-definition original and classic games. Enabled by its XNA� developer tools, the Dream-Build-Play contest was announced at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2007 in San Francisco.

Delivering on its commitment to offer the best and most accessible hardware, software and services for game developers on the Microsoft� gaming platforms, Microsoft and its partners also showcased a suite of new products that will help developers of every level turn their dreams into reality. From the hobbyist to professional developers in the largest studios, Microsoft�s investments in game development technologies are helping to spark a new creative era while ensuring the best games are being built for Microsoft platforms.