Competition FAQ

For this competition, though we tried to plan it as thoroughly as possible, we understand there must be areas which we may not have covered.

We encourage all interested parties to post questions regarding the competition.

Here are a few we received via phone/email - some of them are paraphrased for convenience:

Questions 1: (Regarding the Proposal) I'm comfortable with the game dynamics and UI requirements but I'm not sure what I should really do in the "Marketing Plan". Can I get feedback from you guys (MaBelle) after I submit the proposal?

Answer 1: Yes, of course. We want and highly recommend participants to get in touch with us to talk over different ideas. The point of the Marketing Plan is to make sure you get the big picture of this project - designing cool games without thinking about who your customers is very dangerous. We will help you by asking you clarification questions: E.g. If you need to recommend your game to your friend, what will you tell him/her (in 10 secs) that will instantly draw his/her attention to download and try?

Question 2: How many times can I submit the proposal? Also, when's the deadline for the proposal (its not mentioned in the competition)?

Answer 2: There's no official number of times one can submit a proposal - the purpose of the proposal is to make sure we (you and MaBelle) get a full picture of what you will need to deliver. Think of it this way: Its a blueprint of what you will and can do/deliver. When we 'approve' your proposal, its a way for us to confirm that your idea is both in line with our requirements.

As for the deadline - theoretically, you can submit your proposal on Dec 1, and theoretically, we can approve it right away, but that leaves you 10 days to deliver the entire playable demo.... Say, the "soft deadline" is Nov 10 for finalizing your proposal - that will leave you just under 1 month to deliver the playable demo. Just remember, we will do our best to give feedback, but do take into account we will be helping many people as we get closer to the deadline and may not get back to you as quickly as you wish. Tip: Ask as many questions as you can before mid Nov and check the blog posts for updates.

Question 3: There's no mention of academic or skill requirements? Can "students" participate in this competition?

Answer 3: Anyone can participate - and we are very literal about this. Having said this, anyone who participates must submit the required materials (proposal and playable demo) and meet the competition requirements (one of which is, you must be able to meet with us in person). We will not evaluate your submission based on your creditentials. Students or professionals, freelancers or companies, 15 years old or 50 years old - we welcome all talented and ambitious entrepreneurs.