Online Games Publisher to Sponsor Award in the Category of Artworks in App Format of the ZKM| Centre for Art and Media Technology

KARLSRUHE, Germany - Mar. 23, 2012 - Gameforge, one of the world's leading online game providers, will be sponsoring the AppArtAward in the Game Art category of the ZKM | Centre for Art and Media Technology (Zentrum für Kunst und Medientechnologie Karlsruhe). After its successful launch last year, the internationally renowned research and exhibition institute will be awarding the international prize for artworks in app format for a second time on July 13, 2012. The award in the Game Art category rewards innovative, critical and subversive computer game applications for smartphones and tablet-PCs made by independent developers using the medium for artistic expression.

The Special Prize for Game Art, valued at €10,000, will be sponsored by Gameforge. With its commitment to the cause, the Karlsruhe based publisher is contributing to the creative, cultural and economical potential of mobile games. As a member of the panel of renowned judges, chaired by ZKM board member Peter Weibel, Gameforge Product Director Andre Potgeber will be taking an active part in the review and evaluation of submitted entries.

"By sponsoring the Game Art category of the ZKM AppArtAward, we aim to support and promote independent developers of creative gaming apps," said Alexander Rösner, CEO of Gameforge, regarding the company's involvement.

The ZKM's call for entries is aimed at participants from all over the world. Developers interested in applying can send their submissions to the ZKM starting March 12, 2012, with the deadline for entries being May 11, 2012. Alongside the Prize for Game Art, the AppArtAward will be awarding prizes in two other new categories with respect to current developments within new media. The Prize for Artistic Innovation encompasses all innovative app developments that take advantage of the artistic freedom of the medium. The Special Prize for Cloud Art addresses all developers that implement the possibilities of cloud computing technology in a creative and artistic manner.

More information about the ZKM AppArtAward is available at www.app-art-award.org
More information on Gameforge, visit: http://corporate.gameforge.com/
More information on Gameforge titles, visit: www.gameforge.com.

Gameforge - We create worlds

With an impressive portfolio of around 20 titles and more than 300 million registered players, Gameforge is one of the leading providers of massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) in the western hemisphere. The internationally active company group, based in Karlsruhe, provides its online games in up to 50 languages. Its portfolio includes client-based game worlds such as AION, TERA, Europe's most successful MMOG Metin2, 4Story, Runes of Magic, Elsword, Wizard101, Eligium - The Chosen One and RaiderZ as well as browser-based online games such as the award-winning Ikariam and OGame. The company employs approximately 600 employees at its Karlsruhe and Berlin locations. Gameforge was founded by Alexander Rösner and Klaas Kersting in 2003. Renowned investor Accel Partners has held shares in Gameforge AG since 2007.