Once confined to the PC, indie studios now develop on a multitude of format, with mobile a particularly popular option for those just starting out.

It makes sense, therefore, for Microsoft to add a Windows Phone category to its Dream.Build.Play challenge, tasking studios with creating games for the platform evaluated on three fronts; innovation, fun factor and production quality.

Platform building

"This annual contest is sponsored by Microsoft to inspire independent developers to create games for Microsoft platforms," the company said in a statement.

"Developers will have the opportunity to compete for over $100,000 in total cash prizes. Like this year’s Challenge, finalists in the 2012 Dream.Build.Play Challenge will also have the chance to show off their fun and innovative game to thousands of enthusiasts during PAX 2012 in Seattle."

Last year's contest attracted 250 submissions from 27 different countries across the globe, with four of 2011's winners currently available for download on Xbox Live Indie Games Marketplace on Xbox 360.

Registration details will be released soon, with more info available on the contest's website.