I normally don’t focus in on one state for a contest entry, but this one is unusual. 38 Studios (www.38studios.com), a pioneering entertainment company dedicated to delivering a broad spectrum of entertainment products, today announced the 1st Annual Massachusetts Game Challenge (MGC). The contest, open to students studying game design at Massachusetts-area universities, invites the region’s upcoming talent to design a video game.

The unusual part of this contest is that Boston Red Sox pitcher, Curt Schilling, is the owner of 38 Studios. He challenges students, who must establish teams of no less than two and no more than three eligible members. Each team is strongly encouraged to contain members of varied disciplines of study such as engineering, art, and marketing.

The mission? Build a playable video game featuring the 38 Studios mascot and his alter ego, Mean Munch, as well as create additional characters for Munch’s “posse.” Top prize is $3,000 to each team member on the winning team. Deadline is 18 February 2008. Visit the site to learn more.