Making a game can take months and even years, but the National Post, Toronto gameco XMG Studio, Telus and KPMG want students to create one in 48 hours – and win a cash prize while they’re at it.

The inaugural Great Canadian Appathon (GCA) is calling all college and university students across the country to build a mobile game from scratch for the chance to win the $25,000 grand prize. There will also be a $10,000 second prize as well as 10 $1,000 cash prizes in a number of game categories.

GCA will kick off on March 11 in a number of school campuses in Canada. Event sponsors will also be on hand to dole out prizes as well as recruit for jobs among the participants.

XMG will also collaborate with the winning teams to bring their games to respective app stores, and individuals may be considered for job opps at the gameco. Meanwhile, the winning teams will be honored at a KPMG-sponsored grand finale.

Game jams have been growing in popularity, including the Global Game Jam and Toronto’s own TOJam, about to enter its fifth year.

More information is available at www.greatcanadianappathon.ca.