Alongside Friday’s Xbox One console launch, Microsoft kicked off a wireless controller design contest giving artistic minded gamers the chance to win some cash and prizes.
Here’s how the contest works:
Step 1: Go to www.xbox.com/en-US/community/promotions/XboxController
Step 2: Download the provided template.
Step 3: Create and submit up to three unique controller paint designs by December 31st.
At the end of the entry period a panel of judges, including Microsoft hardware design experts and Xbox Live’s Major Nelson, will select one Grand Prize winner and ten finalists based on a judging criteria which will take into account originality, creativity, and mass appeal, as well as how well the designs reinforce the Xbox One brand.
The Grand Prize controller artist will win $1,000 (on a Visa or American Express gift card), the potential to score a licensing deal with Microsoft for the retail production of a limited edition Xbox One Controller based on the winning design, and, strangely enough, a set of five Xbox One wireless controllers. (It would make sense for these five controllers to sport the prize winner’s design, but the contest rules do not confirm this.)
The remaining 10 design finalists will be put up for a public vote between January 13th and January 27th. The top vote-getter will be deemed the People’s Choice prize winner of $750. The nine runners-up will each receive a consolation prize of $500. Hey, that’s just enough to fund the purchase of an Xbox One console!
All contestants using the Windows “Fresh Paint” app to create their controller designs will also be eligible for another prize pack offering a $150 gift certificate to CanvasPop.com and a Sensu digital Artist Brush & Stylus.
A PDF with the official contest rules and entry guidelines can be viewed here.
Xbox One Controller Design Contest [Major Nelson]
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