Save The World With a Video Game?

Video games, as a communications platform and mainstream entertainment has come a long way since the days when Tetris and Pacman ruled the arcades in the 80's. Recently released gaming titles such as Halo 3 and GTA 4 have said to be more profitable than a lot of Hollywood movie releases today.

With this profit and attention, the opportunity to do something socially responsible with the medium has arrived. This year's Xbox 360 Games for Change Challenge will represent the first time a game development category has been available during the Imagine Cup, a student competition requiring entrants to write and develop their own games.

This year, students will face the ultimate test of their creative and technical skills as they create a game that is not only entertaining but has a social message about creating a sustainable environment.

The theme of Imagine Cup 2008, “Imagine a world where technology enables a sustainable environment,” is a challenge to top student technologists around the world to actively contribute to the mission of protecting our world for generations to come.

What a story it would be if the solution to some of the problems we face today are solved by some video game-loving students!