Bill Gates leaving Microsoft to rid the world of disease may have been a prelude to a new culture over at Microsoft. Perhaps the software giant is becoming a Greener, and more earth friendly company? Microsoft has issued a global challenge to students everywhere to design games that draw attention to environmental issues. From my recollections wasn’t Nintendo doing this way back when, having Mario pick up those coins laying all over the ground?

The idea is for students to create a game that will get the tree huggers of the world back indoors, and picking up Xbox 360 controllers. Besides the sense of accomplishment and making the world a better place for all of us, Microsoft is giving away Xbox 360 Elites, and cash prizes. First place brings home $25,000, second place collects $15,000, and third place takes home $10,000. The competition is already up and going and runs through to February 1st, 2008.

Head on over to the official Xbox Games for Change Challenge website for more details and get started coding.