Windows Mobile development contest announced

AT&T, Microsoft, HTC Corp. and I-play have announced the creation of the AT&T Game Development Contest for Windows Mobile.

The contest, which launches on May 1, asks game developers to submit Windows Mobile compatible games to be reviewed and judged based on criteria such as gameplay value and quality, game uniqueness and creativity and marketplace potential.

The winner will receive a mobile game developer contract with I-play, prime placement of the finished game on AT&T MEdia Mall's game portal and a cash prize of USD 25,000. Prizes will also be awarded to three finalists and ten semi-finalists.

The contest runs through July 31, with the winner to be announced at CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment 2008 in San Francisco.

"We are happy to support this contest and encourage developers to take full advantage of our powerful, flexible platform, providing AT&T customers with new applications that can enhance their mobile experiences," said Scott Horn, general manager of the Mobile Communications Business, Microsoft Corp.

"With such a broad portfolio of AT&T devices, Windows Mobile is ripe for developers looking to reach a mass audience with their products."

AT&T currently offers more than 2,300 on-deck mobile games to its 71 million-plus mobile customers.