AT&T Inc., Microsoft Corp., HTC Corp. and I-play announced today the creation of the AT&T Game Development Contest for Windows Mobile to discover the next breakthrough mobile game. Windows Mobile games represent the fastest-growing segment of the AT&T gaming business. The AT&T Game Development Contest, launching today, is truly unique as it represents the first time all members of the mobile gaming ecosystem are collaborating in an effort to inspire the developer community to take mobile gaming applications to the next level.

In a May 2007 research report, Gartner Inc. forecast worldwide mobile gaming end-user revenue to reach $9.6 billion in 2011 — up significantly from the $2.9 billion realized in 2006. Gartner attributes this projected growth in mobile gaming to consumer awareness and the increase in content being developed by gaming publishers. AT&T, which has the broadest portfolio of Windows Mobile phones of any U.S. carrier, currently offers more than 2,300 on-deck mobile games and is always evaluating innovative and entertaining gaming options to offer its 71 million-plus mobile customers.

Beginning May 1, gaming developers can fill out the online entry form to submit their Windows Mobile compatible game. All game entries submitted during the next three months will be reviewed and judged based on the following criteria: game-play value and quality, game uniqueness and creativity, and marketplace potential. One grand-prize winner will receive a mobile game developer contract with I-play, prime placement of the finished game on the game portal on AT&T MEdia Mall and a cash prize of $25,000. Prizes will also be awarded to three finalists and 10 semifinalists. For complete contest details, contest entry and prize structure, visit http://developer.att.com/gamescontest. The deadline to submit an entry is July 31, 2008. The winner will be announced at CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment 2008 in San Francisco.