Taking a page from Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's PROJECT GREENLIGHT, Cartoon Network and America Online have joined together to offer one up-and-coming game developer the opportunity to create an online game featuring a popular Cartoon Network character in the first 'Project Goldmaster' program. As part of the Independent Games Festival (IGF), 10 finalists will be selected to compete to win the top honor to develop an online game for CartoonNetwork.com's Power Play Games area.
One of the 10 finalists will be selected by the Cartoon Network to be the winner of 'Project Goldmaster." The winner will then chronicle the making a game on the AOL Journal blogging service, including the creation of video vignettes, early storyboards, screen images and interviews with the game-makers.
"We know there is a great deal of talent and creativity in the independent gaming community, and 'Project Goldmaster' will be a significant opportunity for an up-and-coming developer," said Paul Condolora, vp/gm, Cartoon Network New Media. "Cartoon Network has always been focused on attracting new talent, first for our animated series and now to develop interactive games based on our successful properties. We think working with the independent gaming community on Project Goldmaster is a good fit with our mission and will allow millions of Cartoon Network fans the chance to buy and play this game."
"AOL Games' mission is to create compelling and original entertainment for games enthusiasts that goes well beyond the actual game itself, which makes this program an ideal fit," said Matthew Bromberg, vp/gm for AOL Games. "Launching the 'Project Goldmaster' program during the Independent Games Festival is the perfect platform for us to reach the right talent, all while documenting this process to give our members a better understanding of what it takes to make it in this competitive business."
In its sixth year, the Independent Games Festival received more than 111 original entries representing 18 countries in two different categories. A panel of 51 narrowed down the field to 20 of the most innovative independent game developers worldwide. Finalist games can be viewed at www.igf.com. The winner will be announced during the Game Developers Conference, held March 22-26 in San Jose, Calif.
America Online, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. Based in Dulles, Virginia, America Online is the world's leader in interactive services, Web brands, Internet technologies and e-commerce services.
Cartoon Network New Media is the division of Cartoon Network responsible for CartoonNetwork.com, Cartoon Network Power Play Games and other interactive ventures. CartoonNetwork.com is one of the Internet's top entertainment sites, featuring games, an online community, e-commerce and programming information. For more information, visit http://CartoonNetwork.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
