Microsoft Corp., HTC Corp., and I-Play are hoping to discover the next breakthrough mobile game with a newly-launched AT&T Game Development Contest for Windows Mobile. The winner of the contest will receive an I-Play  mobile game developer contract, prime placement on AT&T's MEdia Mall game portal, and a cash prize of $25,000.

Windows Mobile games represent the fastest-growing segment of the AT&T gaming business, and the company has the broadest portfolio of Windows Mobile phones of any U.S. carrier. The company currently offers over 2,300 mobile games and is always evaluating innovative and entertaining gaming options to offer its customers.

Submissions will be reviewed and judged based on their game-play value and quality, game uniqueness and creativity, and marketplace potential. The grand-prize winner of the competition 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 ten semifinalists.

"We are happy to support this contest and encourage developers to take full advantage of our powerful, flexible platform, providing AT&T customers with new applications that can enhance their mobile experiences," said Scott Horn, general manager of the Mobile Communications Business, Microsoft Corp. "With such a broad portfolio of AT&T devices, Windows Mobile is ripe for developers looking to reach a mass audience with their products."