Cartoon Network will offer one up-and-coming game developer the opportunity to create a downloadable game featuring popular Cartoon Network characters from its series in the second annual 'Project Goldmaster' competition. 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.
"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 for 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 series. We know our audience loves games as much as we do last year Cartoonnetwork.com had 1.6 billion gameplays so we're looking for a company that is as passionate about gaming as our audience is. We had a great experience developing a game with Flashbang Studios last year for AdultSwim.com and look forward to working with this year's winner on creating a new and exciting game for CartoonNetwork.com."
Last years winner, Flashbang Studios, was a finalist in the 2004 IGF with its released first game, BEESLY'S BUZZWORDS. As winner of the 2004 Project Goldmaster competition, Two-year-old Flashbang Studios developed a Cartoon Network Power Play game, SEALAB 2021: SWEET MAYHEM, launched on AdultSwim.com in November 2004. Flashbang Studios original title, GLORM will launch in mid-March, followed by two other games planned for release by summer 2005.
In its seventh year, the Independent Games Festival received more than 78 original entries, representing 11 countries in two different categories, which was then whittled down to 20 finalists games that can be viewed at www.igf.com. The winner will be announced during the Game Developers Conference, held March 7-11 in San Francisco.
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.
