Chocolate Éclairs,
We’re pleased to announce two contests for May.   In addition to the May Algorithm Challenge (May 1st – May 11th), we will also be holding our first ever CodeChef Gamer’s Challenge (May 15th – June 15th).

May Algorithm Challenge (May 1st - May 11th):

The rules will be the same as the March and April contests except the length of the contest has been reduced to ten days (May 1st 15:00 to May 11th 15:00).  Prizes will include: a Phillips Home Theater system, an 22″ LG LCD monitor and an iPod Touch.

May Gamer’s Challenge (May 15th - June 15th):

We feel there are a lot of good programmers out there who don’t necessarily have the interest to compete in algorithm competitions.  We’ve decided to try and hold a few different types of contests in the coming months.  For the Gamer’s Challenge, teams of up to 3 people will be allowed to submit client-side browser games written in the language of your choice (Javascript, Flash/Flex). The game can be any type you can come up with, the only rule is that it has to involve The Chef as the main character.   Some PSD’s and JPG’s of The Chef can be downloaded here.  Examples of ideas for games you can create:

• Helping The Chef retrieve the Golden Spoon from Spaghetti Monsters
• Helping the Chef squash bugs in the Kitchen

For some nice examples of how you can use javascript to develop browser games check out Mario and Mario Kart.

What are the prizes?

We’re still figuring it out but it’ll be something gamers enjoy (think graphics cards, big monitors, handheld and console games).  We’ll keep you updated.

How will the winners be determined?

Starting May 15th, you will be able to upload your game on the contest landing page.  You can submit as many entries as you want, and update your program as many times as you’d like.  On June 15th the contest will be closed for new submissions.  On June 20th, winners will be announced.  All source code to games submitted as part of this contest will be made available to the public for download.

A CodeChef panel will be reviewing submissions and determining the winner.  We don’t care how pretty your game is (though it can’t hurt to make it look good), we’re just looking for the game that’s most fun to play.

How can I submit my code?

You will upload a zip file containing:

• An HTML page containing the necessary markup to play your game at 600×480 px
• All original and compiled code (JS, SWF, FLA)
• A screenshot of your game at 600×480
• A description of the name of your game as well as any instructions on how to play it (this can be in a text file or part of the HTML page)

Please note that all the resources/files referred to by the game should be relative to your home directory.

Any feedback?  Let us know at feedback@codechef.com.

Cheers,
The Chef

… Oh yeah, in case you were wondering, we will still hold an algorithm contest in June.