As announced earlier in the week by UK Creative Industries minister Ed Vaizey at the NESTA Investment Conference, the £100,000 TIGA Games Contest launches today.

The competition will allocate the cash via Abertay University's Prototype Fund to four developers - £25,000 each - in order to build a prototype game with a view to secure further funding.

There are three categories that potential winners will need to fit into - games on-the-move, games in-the-home

and social web gaming.

Two of the prizes will be awarded to developers in the social web gaming category, whilst games on-the-move and games in-the-home developers will get one prize a-piece.

Funding a priority

"Being able to show a potential investor a prototype can make a real difference in securing all-important funding, so this competition will provide direct help to budding developers," said Vaizey.

"I hope that it will prove key to making some brilliant ideas into successful businesses."

Dr Richard Wilson CEO of TIGA added his thoughts.

"One of TIGA's top priorities is to improve access to finance for studios. I am delighted, therefore, to be working with Abertay, Antix Labs and Turbulenz in running this competition which will provide finance for small studios to develop game prototypes."

Market potential

The full prizes include the £25,000 funding as well as free TIGA membership for six months. Winners will also benefit from mentoring and support from gaming platforms Antix Labs (for games on-the-move and games in-the-home), or Turbulenz (social games).

Winning developers will present a project with strong market potential and will need to be able to demonstrate a viable business model.

The closing date for entries is Thursday 26 January 2012.

If you are interested in applying for the contest, check out the official registration website here.