From the DreamBuildPlay site:
Build an original game for Windows or Xbox 360 * using XNA Game
Studio Express, a new tool from MicrosoftR.
This pretty much means you'll have to use C#, as far as I can tell
I understand your point, but as I see it, the DBP contest was made specifically for XNA Game Studio Express.
Anyway, I looked into the full rules, and this is what it says:
b. Get the Tools. Download XNA Game Studio Express, for free at http://msdn.com/xna and/or via a link from the Site, including the Spacewar Starter Kit. Participants can also download Torque X tools and technology (optional) for free at http://www.garagegames.com/products/torque/x and/or via link from the Site, and may visit the XNA Developer Center at http://msdn.com/xna for additional helpful information relating to participation in the Promotion.
c. Develop a ¡°Relatives of Spacewar¡± Game. Using the tools and information identified above, develop a playable video game application (¡°Game¡±,) for operation on either the Windows XP SP2 or Xbox 360 platform using the codebase and/or content from the Spacewar Starter Kit which showcases the game design, art and storyline and can be played by the judging panel, as specified in the XNA GSE Toolkit and as specified in these Rules.
soulmate75 wrote:
What a funny way to show off their cross language technology.
They are actually trying to show off their cross platform technology. That's one of the main purposes of XNA. And that is only possible by using XNA together with GSE.
soulmate75 wrote:
What a funny way to show off their cross language technology. They are actually trying to show off their cross platform technology. That's one of the main purposes of XNA. And that is only possible by using XNA together with GSE.
No, I do not work for Microsoft.
The reasons they do not insist all entries to work on both windows and xbox 360 are, of course, hidden to me.
But if I were to guess, here's what I'd say:
The DBP is supposed to be a global competition. By enforcing xbox, all contestants would need a way to build for the xbox. That further implies: living in a country where there are xbox-es (this is the restriction in my case), having one, and having a Creator's Club subscription. Since they want as many original and innovative ideas as possible, it seems only logical that they would want to allow those of us who don't have the above mentioned requirements to participate.
However, since the winning game of the main phase will probably be published to XBLA, if that game happens to be one made for Windows, they are probably just making sure the transition to xbox will be smooth, by requiring the use of GSE.
That's my view on the subject.
< rant >
My $.02 - if you don't like the rules, don't enter. Let someone who is happy with what MS has given us take care of things. Stop whining about what you can't do and be happy with what you can! You don't see Sony or Nintendo running a contest like this and I'll be shocked if you ever do.
It's unbelieveable to me that people seem to believe that they should have everything they want, that MS should bend over backwards to fulfill their every wish. Spoiled little brats. 
< /rant >
Now back to our regularly scheduled discussion about positive things. 
You don't see Sony or Nintendo running a contest like this and I'll be shocked if you ever do.
Dude, don't let your pro-MS-ism blind you. I understand this is a MS forum, so probably no MS bashing. But that is a tad too much :)
waruwaru is that a Sony sponsored competition
Have you ever tried to get a development agreement with Sony or Nintendo, or even Sega