Dr Dobb's Journal is proud to present The Dobbs Challenge, a special game modding competition in which participants can win from a prize pool of $10,000!

You can do this by downloading our specially created "Dr. Dobb's Challenge'" game for either Windows and Windows Mobile and modifying it using a copy of Visual Studio 2008.

So, you want to take part in The Dobbs Challenge? Here's how to take part:

1. Get Visual Studio
Download the trial version of Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 - necessary for compiling and running the free games we're providing here for modding purposes.

2. Get The Game
Download your chosen version of the game - either the Windows version or the Windows Mobile version, and play it to check it out - it's actually a lot of fun on its own.

3. Get The Knowledge
To familiarize yourself with Visual Studio 2008 and the process of modding 'Dr. Dobbs Defies All Challenges' to create your own new game styles, types, and designs, read our tutorials.

4. Mod The Game
Once you feel ready, begin to mod "Dr. Dobb's Challenge" into the game you want it to be!  Remember, there are $10,000 in prizes on offer, and you can create whatever you want with Dr. Dobb's Challenge as long as you follow only two rules:

1. You begin with the code base we have supplied.
2. Visual Studio icons are used in the game as some form of collectible item.

But otherwise, you can go crazy changing the gameplay mechanics, editing the levels, switching out the graphics, or even adding code and art to morph the results into new game genres!

5. Get Feedback!
If you find yourself stuck, or simply want feedback during your development, take part in our forums! There are plenty of opportunities for feedback and knowledge sharing within the community.

6. Submit Your Game
As soon as you feel ready, submit your finished title into the following categories:

The Dobbs First Month Challenge ($1,000) - Produce the best modded game (of any kind) in the first month.  Can be either a Windows or Windows Mobile game.

Best Windows Game ($4,000) - Produce the best modded Windows game (of any kind) across the challenge.

Best Windows Mobile Game ($2,000) - Produce the best modded Windows Mobile game (of any kind) across the challenge.

Best One Button Game ($1,000) - Produce the best game created with the intention to be accessible to all. The title is expect to use one one form of input - i.e. one button. Can be either a Windows or Windows Mobile game.

Best Game Starring Dr Dobbs And The Defy All Challenges Crew ($1,000)  - Produce the best game that still stars the Dr Dobbs and The Defy All Challenges Crew (though these characters can be redrawn or otherwise used in any way in the title.) Can be either a Windows or Windows Mobile game.

Best Total Conversion ($1,000) - Produce the best game that is completely different from the original Dr. Dobbs Challenge - i.e. uses no design aspects or assets other than the use of Visual Studio icons. Can be either a Windows or Windows Mobile game.

The deadline for The Dobbs Challenge is June 13th, 2008, and the deadline for The Dobbs First Month Challenge is April 14th, 2008, so don't miss out on your chance to win one of the 6 different prizes on offer from a prize pool of $10,000.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can I use proprietary or 3rd party libraries?

Third party libraries that are GPL or redistributable are completely acceptable. Please note what you've used on submission of your game.

2.  Do we need to submit full source code on submission of our game?

 Please include your full source code and an executable version of your game on submission.

3. Can teams enter, or is it for solo participants only?

It's fine to work in teams with multiple coders, artists, and even designers and audio creators, as long as one person enters on behalf of everyone.

 4. Is the One Button category only for games using one button?

 The One Button category is intended for accessible games which use one fom of input only. This would be expected to be a single button, but forms of input such as mouse movement are acceptable if not too complex.