University and college students from across Canada have 48 hours to create the best video game they can this weekend, in competition for a $25,000.

'Keep the game simple, and be proud of the things you say no to.'— Pieter Parker, 2010 Appathon winner

Three hundred twenty five students from across Canada have signed up for the Great Canadian Appathon, a competition sponsored by the Toronto video game studio XMG.

"We really like finding great talent right out of school that are really into video game design, and have that knowledge of the market," said Andrew Kamondy, vice president of business development for XMG.

"The app market is only three, three and a half years old. So they've grown up with it."

Kamondy expects around 75 games will be created this weekend. XMG staff will whittle that down to 25, then industry experts will come up with a winner by November.

A group of eight students, divided in two teams, from Holland College and UPEI are taking part in the competition, supported by UPEI computer science professor Dave LeBlanc. He hopes the contest will attract some attention for the schools.

"Any publicity for the game development programs at UPEI and Holland College is a good thing," he said.

The team that won the first competition now has its own studio in Edmonton, Bit Shift, and its game is about to hit the market. Team member Pieter Parker has some advice for competitors.

"Get sleep. Eat healthy," said Parker.

"Keep the game simple, and be proud of the things you say no to, because that's all you can get in 48 hours."

The marathon begins at 6 p.m. Friday, and the teams must be finished by 6 p.m. Sunday night.