Ever fancied yourself as the next Cliffy B? Well now you can be! Minus all the cash and a best-selling game, of course. Microsoft and the XNA user group, which supports coders using Microsoft's home development software, is running a development competition.

The theme is 'Ocean Odyssey' (SPOnG's thinking the 'Under the Sea Ball' in Back to the Future) and the competition's open to submissions in the categories of artwork, soundtrack and gameplay.

'What's in it for me?' you cry. First you get a slap in the face for being such a mercenary monster and not wanting to enter for the love of gaming. In terms of actual prizes, however, Microsoft's giving away £5,000 of hardware and software, the details of which can be found here. And, of course, oodles of street cred.

To enter the competition, click here.