Last year, Wade McGilberry made video game history by becoming the first person to pitch a perfect game in 2K Sports' annual baseball game, MLB 2K11. This distinction got him not only the respect of baseball gamers the world over, it also made him the winner of 2K's Perfect Game Challenge, earning a cool million dollars in the process. It marked the first year that the developer had offered cash money in exchange for accomplishing a feat that has only been done by 20 pitchers in the history of Major League Baseball. This year, purportedly due to Phillies ace Roy Halliday (who pitched a perfect game of his own last year), the million dollar challenge has been thrown down again.

Beginning on Opening Day of the MLB season (April 1st), players will race to become the first to hit perfection through nine innings, all in a quest to get rich. This year the contest restrictions have been eased a bit, allowing for anyone aged 13 or older to compete (last year you had to be 18 to win). With the game set to release on March 8th, this gives potential millionaires nearly a month to hone their skills. Additionally, 2K has dropped the price on MLB 2K10 to $29.99, in case you're looking to get even more practice in before the big leagues get started.

“2K Sports made video game history last year by giving away $1 million in the Perfect Game Challenge,” said Jason Argent vice president of marketing at 2K Sports. “We’re thrilled to be giving our fans – from skilled players to novices – another shot at the prize money with Major League Baseball 2K11.  Our cover athlete, Roy Halladay of the Philadelphia Phillies, is one of those rare pitchers to have thrown a perfect game and we think that it’s only fitting that he’ll be inspiring gamers to step onto the mound for their chance at perfection."

While I for one could use another million dollars in my checking account, chances are I'm not going to be as lucky as Wade McGillberry. It should be interesting to see who throws the first perfect game, and how hold he or she ends up being.