This is an interesting development for indie game developers intent on coming up with games for the iOS and Android platforms;  video game publisher Zoo Entertainment Inc has launched indiePub Mobile, a new division that will collaborate with independent game developers in order to cultivate a number of new games for iOS and Android platforms in 2011. Check out the press release below for details on the games to be released and the newly minted Propeller Awards, a video game development contest.

ZOO ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHES INDIEPUB MOBILE

Online Community for Independent Game Developers and Players Expands with All-New Mobile Division

Cincinnati, OH – February 1, 2011- Video game publisher Zoo Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZOOG), has launched indiePub Mobile via its online community of independent game developers and players at indiePub.com. The company has established indiePub Mobile as a new division that will collaborate with independent game developers in order to cultivate a number of new games for  iOS and Android platforms in 2011. Initial games being set for release include Fractal, Blocks: The Devilish Delivery Game, Paper Venture, Totem Destroyer Deluxe and Cargo Delivery.

Rob Cassidy, former development director at EA Mobile, will serve as director of indiePub Mobile. Through his extensive mobile expertise, Cassidy will assist in content acquisition and marketing of mobile games, as Zoo continues to evolve from a value-oriented provider of retail products to a leading distributor of digital titles across mobile, PC and console platforms.

The launch marks the first time an indie game publisher has expanded with a designated mobile division, and follows the recent completion of indiePub’s first mobile game competition in December 2010.

“With a rise in both independent video game development and the mobile industry, we conceptualized a dedicated platform for mobile games and talented developers, and are now seeing that platform come to life,” said Mark Seremet, CEO of Zoo. “We were impressed with the quality and quantity of the mobile games submitted for judging in our recent competition, and plan to continue its development through indiePub Mobile. By the end of 2011, Zoo anticipates having an impressive line-up of mobile content, including 12 games currently in development, which will be offered across handsets and tablets as a direct result of our partnerships with talented independent developers.”

To support its increasing momentum in the indie games industry, indiePub will also host the first independent Propeller Awards, a video game development contest at South by Southwest ScreenBurn Arcade, the gaming portion of the SXSW Interactive Festival. Contest submissions are now open and the grand prizewinner will be revealed March 13, 2011 at SXSW ScreenBurn Arcade. Full contest rules and details are available at indiePub.com.