What should be entered?

The theme for this year is Artificial Intelligence (AI), so it must be an AI related entry. Entries must be demonstrated in a virtual environment. Examples may include adaptive learning system, intelligent conversational bots, adaptive behavior (objects or processes) etc. The Challenge committee will determine if each entry satisfies the AI requirement and categories will be created based on the range of submissions.

Why should I enter?

People enter for a variety of reasons from recognition and credit to prize money; from networking opportunities to potential future work.

Last year, one of the prize winners landed a job from a large virtual world technology development company. A few companies also received government contracts directly associated with their entries.

This year there will, again, be a $25,000 Grand Prize. However, there is a significant increase in the amount each winner will receive in each category: 1st place will receive $5,000, 2nd will receive $3,000 and 3rd will receive $1,000. Travel accommodations will also be provided for the non-government winners to the DoD GameTech Conference, held in Orlando on March 22-25, 2011.

Where can I create or enter from?

Entries can be submitted from an accessible virtual world (last year we had submissions from four different virtual environments). Entries can be hosted on public, private or secured worlds. We have an area (VADER) in Second Life set up as a sandbox provided for your creation. The location is http://slurl.com/secondlife/VADER/118/102/29. All entries must be accessible to the government evaluation team. Publicly accessible entries will also be made available to the public for feedback. Submission forms will be available on the FVWC website. Entry due date is Dec 6, 2010.

How does the challenge work?

Entry forms are submitted through the www.fvwc.army.mil website. Each entrant must prepare a one-page web site describing their entry including contact information and details about how to access the entry. Please include information on coordinating meeting times with the creator (available hours, sign-up, etc). It is recommended to include a video demonstrating the entries' capabilities.

The U.S. Army Research Lab legal counsel will have final judgment on all matters, including any disputes or discrepancies about the challenge, its process, and its decisions.

When: timelines and deadlines?

When are the timelines and deadlines? The Challenge is officially open and entries can be submitted until midnight Dec 6, 2010 Eastern Standard Time. Submitters should receive a confirmation email as soon as the entry form is submitted. If a confirmation email is not received, please e-mail fvwc.sttc@us.army.mil immediately.