Create and publish your Windows 8 app by Jan. 20th and win a $100 gift card

1. GET STARTED - Download all the software and resources you need. It is free!
2. BUILD YOUR APP - We’ll point you to instructive videos, hands – on labs, sample code and more.
3. PUBLISH YOUR APP - Your app will be available to millions at the Windows Store. Submit details of your published App to claim your $100 gift card prize.

Don’t know where to start?

Why not try your hand at gaming. You can create a game and publish to Windows 8 without writing any code by using GameSalad or other game engines. In fact, you can get a discounted student license of GameSalad at Studica.

Downloadable game assets: https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=3355E5FB9C6E0BAF!21523 (Warning: BIG file. 929 MB)

As always, reach out to me on Twitter or via email if you have any questions! I can point you to tutorials and samples that can kickstart your app!

Make sure you’ve signed up for DreamSpark

DreamSpark is a Microsoft program to provide the tools student developers and designers need. In addition, the $50 Windows Store registration fee will also be waived once you sign up.

1. Go to DreamSpark.com and click on the “Student” tab at the top.
2. Scroll down and choose “Create an account”
3. Choose your college or university from the schools list. If your school is not listed, contact windows8appchallenge@outlook.com for an activation code.
4. Enter and confirm your school email address.
5. Confirm the email address by clicking the activation link sent to you.
6. That’s it! You now have a DreamSpark account. Check out the free software you can download. Activate your Windows Store token. Build some apps!

Good luck!

Ryan Joy
Developer Evangelist | Microsoft
ryanjoy [at] microsoft.com
512.552.2687 mobile
@atxryan | ryanjoy.com | Office hours