Game Trust, the leading infrastructure provider for premium online casual games, today announced Software Prodigy's "Swing 'n' Strike" as the First Finalist for the highly anticipated second annual Game Trust Casual Game Evolution Challenge, sponsored by AOL Games. Software Prodigy beat out SMERC Design's "Decades," and JavaPause's "Jack Flowers" by taking home 67% of the votes from this year's Game Developer's Conference (GDC). As a result, Software Prodigy is guaranteed a $10,000 distribution contract offer, and a shot to win the $20,000 Grand Prize contract and trip for four to Costa Rica!

Launched last year at GDC, the Second Annual Game Trust Casual Game Evolution Challenge, sponsored by AOL Games, seeks to identify the best Java web games for online, tournament and download play. More than 30 developers have submitted to the contest already. The Final Submission Deadline is April 21st. For full contest details.

Swing 'n Strike is an easy to learn turn-based strategy game, with fun graphics, engaging gameplay and irresistible characters. In the game, cute animals engage in battles by swinging through a landscape with their tongue, and utilizing a variety of different weapons. The game is currently in beta.

"Getting short-listed for GDC and winning was only a dream," says Neville Attard, owner of Software Prodigy. "I gave my best shot, and thanks to all the support I received from my friends, my dream has come true!"

Developers who submitted games by the Early Submission Deadline of March 10th had the opportunity for their games to be showcased to an audience of thousands at Game Trust's booth at the GDC. People's choice voting at the Game Trust booth determined this year's First Finalist. Submissions will be judged by Game Trust and AOL experts, and the remaining two finalists will be announced April 28th. A Grand Prize Winner will be announced by Game Trust and AOL on May 8th.

ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER will win a $20,000 "Game Plan" contract, distribution to millions of casual players worldwide with a revenue share, plus an eight-day adventure tour in Costa Rica for four people!

TWO FINALISTS will win a "Game Plan" license offer worth $10,000-with a revenue share and guaranteed distribution to millions of casual players worldwide!

Any Java web game in any playable form can be submitted, as well as completed and existing games. Game Trust and AOL will evaluate games based on their potential for commercial success, innovative storyline, and "fun factor." To see the official contest rules and to download the entry form.