Game Evolution Challenge Finalist Announced

Casual game publisher and distributor Game Trust announced the first finalist for its Second Annual Casual Game Evolution Challenge. Launched last year, the Challenge seeks to identify the best Java web games for online, tournament and download play, which will then be distributed by Game Trust. The AOL Games sponsored event named Software Prodigy’s turn-based strategy game Swing ‘n’ Strike as the first finalist. The game, which is currently in beta, features cute animals that engage in battles by swinging through landscapes on their tongue, and fight each other using a variety of different weapons. “Getting short-listed for the Challenge and winning was only a dream,” says Neville Attard, owner of Software Prodigy. “I gave my best shot, and thanks to all the support I received from my friends, my dream has come true!” Swing ‘n’ Strike beat out other contenders such as SMERC Design’s Decades and JavaPause’s Jack Flowers by taking home 67% of the votes polled at Game Trust's booth at this year’s GDC. As a result, Software Prodigy is guaranteed a $10,000 distribution contract offer, and a shot to win the $20,000 Grand Prize contract and trip for four to Costa Rica. The Grand Prize Winner will be announced by Game Trust and AOL on May 8th, following the announcement of the remaining two finalists on April 28th. Last year’s contest resulted in more than 70 qualified submissions. Five finalists were announced, and Oshiro by Walking Ideas won the 2005 Casual Game Evolution Challenge Grand Prize.