Mochi Media's online games ad network MochiAds has launched the "Flash Rock Star Games Contest” with Gaia Online, hoping to recognize talent among new Flash game developers.The three-month contest will accept game submissions to be judged by a professional panel with input from the Gaia community. The contest winner receives over $25,000 in cash and prizes, and possible game development contracts with Gaia.

Flash games are currently considered a major growth area for casual online gaming -- MochiAds says one in three Internet users plays casual Flash games online. They require fewer developer resources compared to traditional games, and distribute easily in the free-to-play format. Because of the reduced resource requirement, the Flash development scene attracts many independent developers, and MochiAds says it hopes to help bring some of this innovation to light.

MochiAds offers a custom API allowing developers to create games with custom leaderboards and the ability to communicate with publisher sites. Gaia Online integrates MochiAds games into its chat and avatar system, through an agreement that provides Gaia with a premium catalog of games through which Gaia users can earn virtual currency and goods for playing.

Mochi Media CEO Jameson Hsu commented, “This contest is a unique opportunity for Flash game developers to get the exposure they deserve. There are a lot of talented developers out there, and we’re excited to bring them tools that increase community interaction with their games.”