15 indie developers re-imagine Pong for iOS, hope to win Atari contract

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http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/06/pongindie33222333.jpg (http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/17/15-indie-developers-re-imagine-pong/)As far as video games go, it doesn't get much simpler than Pong (http://www.engadget.com/tag/Pong/) -- two paddles, one ball, no complications. A classic, to be sure, but definitely not the flashiest game when pitted against the average (http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/joystiq-reviews-angry-birds-space/)smartphone (http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/apple-free-app-of-the-week/) title (http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/11/android-markets-sixth-sale-day-wants-to-fill-your-phone-with-ga/) -- maybe that's why Atari (http://www.engadget.com/tag/Atari/) is asking indie developers to jazz it up. Yes, the Pong Indie Developer Challenge is in full swing, and Atari has pared down some 90-odd submissions to mere 15. Not familiar with the contest? Here's a quick refresh: Atari is looking for indie developers to re-imagine Pong for iOS as a fun, original, visually interesting and overtly marketable title. The stakes? Winners can score up to $100,000 and a publishing contract with Atari. Many of the semi-finalists' redesigns are as simple as adding multitouch gestures or bending the traditionally square playing field into a more circular court, but a few ambitious developers mixed it up with 3D playing fields, anthropomorphic paddles or augmented reality multiplayer. Check out Mashable's collection of contestant trailers at the link below for a look at the Pong of tomorrow. As for us? We're still pretty pleased with yesterday's model. (http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/01/atari-pong-review/)

http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/17/15-indie-developers-re-imagine-pong/