MMO Gaming

For this first contest we’ll actually be requiring some work for people that want to win something. First a little about the contest, then we get to the contest rules, and then, at the bottom, the prizes.

About the Contest
So, what exactly will you be doing? MMO games have the unique ability to truly emulate real world situations and events. As gamers we often criticize the media for not taking gaming as a serious form of entertainment or art. Compared to painting, music, movies, books and so on games are not considered to be on that same level of depth, and for good reason. The average game isn’t out there tackling tough issues or showing us flaws in the system around us. In fact, trying to make a game that has a strong lesson also fun is not an easy task. (No one wants to play “Global Warming: The Game” right?)

But with MMOs, or more specifically, virtual worlds, we are poised to get rid of this notion entirely if we tackle these issues correctly. So that’s what we’re going to do. Put on your Helmet of World Building +1™ and tell me how you would go about evolving the MMO to bring real world issues to light in a fun and interesting way. Entries can be any length you like so long as you can explain the idea you have.

The Rules
One entry per person. All entries must be original work that has not been posted elsewhere. Entries may not be posted to another blog/website during the duration of the contest. Entries must be received no later than Friday, June 22, 2007 at 11:59 PM EST. Entries should be at least one paragraph in length (4-5 sentences) but have no maximum length. All entrants must supply a valid e-mail address to be used for contact. Entries should be sent to “brandon.levan[at]451press.net” or, alternatively, using the “Contact Me” button on the right of the page. Winners will be chosen based on all entries received by the specified time and judged by the GamingMMO.com staff (hey look, that’s just me.) Winners will be notified by e-mail and be posted between Monday, June 25, 2007 and Friday, June 29, 2007. The top three entries (in no particular order) will win a prize. If there are less than three entries or less than three entries are judged to be of a proper standard of quality (as decided by the GamingMMO.com staff (look, again, just me)) all prizes may not be awarded.

The Prize (AKA: The Reason You’re Reading)
The winning entries will each receive an Amazon.com Gift Certificate worth $40. Prizes may be sent out via e-mail for instant use or via regular mail at the winning entrants choice.

And that’s it. It’s fairly open so go crazy and come up with something good. Have fun!