Back for a third splash, Blacksmith Games has unveiled this year's Appvent Calendar, set to give away free apps and games every day in the run up to December 25.

This year, however, the venture – in which developers sign up to drop the price of their titles for a day - will be coupled with the launch of a dedicated app on the App Store.

A cheap Christmas

First up for 2011's Appvent Calendar is arcade puzzler Linkoidz, from Retro Dreamer. On the app front, users can also get their hands on earnings calculator SalaryBook.

"A new door on the Appvent Calendar will open every day with a link to the AppStore for you to download a new quality free game," the studio says on the Appvent website.

"We hope you are as excited for this as we are. We've been busy finding the absolute best games to bring to you."

Appvent Calendar was the first free app giveaway of its kind when it launched in December 2009, with Craneball Studios' line drawing game 33rd Division the first title to take part.

Further details can be found on the Appvent website.