Game Trust, AOL Announces Second Game Evolution Challenge

Casual game publisher and distributor Game Trust has announced that it is partnering with AOL in hosting the Second Annual Casual Game Evolution Challenge. Launched last year at the Game Developers Conference (GDC), the Challenge seeks to identify the best Java web games for online, tournament and download play by Game Trust. Game Trust and AOL Games are extending the late submission deadline until April 21st to allow for more game submissions. Developers who submit games by the Early Submission Deadline of March 10th will have the opportunity for their games to be showcased to at Game Trust’s and AOL’s booth at the GDC. People’s choice voting at the Game Trust / AOL booth will determine one of the three Casual Game Evolution Challenge Finalists. This “First Finalist” will be announced on March 31st. Any Java web game in any playable form can be submitted, as well as completed and existing games. Game Trust and AOL will evaluate games based on their potential for commercial success, innovative storyline, and "fun factor." 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. The remaining early and late submissions will be judged by Game Trust and AOL experts, and the remaining two finalists will be announced April 28th. A Grand Prize Winner will be announced by Game Trust and AOL on May 8th. The Grand Prize winner will win a $20,000 “Game Plan” contract, distribution to millions of casual players worldwide with a revenue share, plus an eight-day adventure tour in Costa Rica for four people. In addition, two finalists will win a “Game Plan” license offer, including a revenue share for the game's distribution. “This year, we are seeing better games than ever,” said Adeo Ressi, CEO of Game Trust. “AOL joins us in encouraging and fostering innovation in the fast-growing casual games sector. We have more than $50,000 in prizes up for grabs, together with guaranteed distribution to millions of gamers for the very best submissions.”