MTV's college network mtvU launched the Indebted Digital Challenge, a competition inviting young people (ages 18-28) to submit a original idea for a game that addresses the U.S.'s national debt crisis.

Applicants can participate individually or in teams of five. mtvU will accept submissions until January 7, 2009. The individual or team with the chosen concept will receive $10,000 and will be credited in the final game developed from the idea. The winner may also have the opportunity to further work with mtvU to create the game.

The winning idea must not only raise awareness about the dangers of the U.S. spending too much and saving too little, but also address the potential ramifications of inaction, identify ways to combat the fiscal crisis through citizen advocacy, and share ideas for managing personal financial risk through debt management.

The concept must also compel users to learn more about debt-related issues, provide interactive elements, and work as an online title that can be easily shared with others.

For more information on the competition and its submission requirements, visit the Indebted Digital Challenge's official site.

By Eric Caoili
December 9, 2008 08:19:00 AM PT