ComBank helps new mobile game developers

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon will support up-and-coming mobile game developers by recognising their creativity and ability through a mobile game competition, the bank said in a statement.

The 'Combank Mobile Game Development Challenge' was conducted by the Bank via Facebook over three months. More than 100 applicants including individuals, companies and undergraduates of several leading IT universities competed where 13 games contended for the final round.

The top three games, based on the number of downloads during the trial period - 'Light Up the Grid,' 'Devil Run' and 'Fluffy' - are now available for free download from the Google Play Store.

Deputy General Manager, Marketing, Commercial Bank, Hasrath Munasinghe said, "Commercial Bank recognised the need to assist the local mobile game development industry, which mostly consists of undergraduates and students. The main objective of organising the competition was to provide an opportunity for young mobile app developers to come up with games and launch them with the backing of the Bank." The challenge required contestants to develop games, host and promote them, using any marketing mechanism, to attract players.

The games were judged by industry experts based on the originality of the concept, number of downloads, use of technology, visual design, controls and input and entertainment value.

The winners were awarded cash prizes.

A spokesman for Commercial Bank said it would market the games on behalf of the developers.