Channel 4 set the challenge of finding the UK’s best new online game-making talent. People entered in their droves and it’s been a tough task to pick the winners, but finally our judges have come to a conclusion.

We’re pleased to announce that Hapland by Robin Allen wins the first prize of a top-of-the-range PC and monitor courtesy of PC World plus an additional cash prize of £1,000 to spend as he choses. Here is the breakdown of the winners in full:

Game: Hapland
Author: Robin Allen


Hapland has become a phenomenon since Robin Allen first released it on his website in 2005. The simple point-and-click interface and frustrating puzzles have spawned two sequels and numerous copycat games. "The idea for Hapland came to me when I thought of drawing a picture as an animated Flash movie," 19-year-old Robin says. "Then I ended up adding a goal and a 'win' condition, making it into a game."

The goal (to get the stick men to light two torches) is simple, but bizarre logic and experimentation is the only way to solve the puzzle. Or by cheating of course and following one of the many walkthroughs that have appeared on fan sites.

Unforgiving to the point of cruelty, it’s the charm of watching the story unfold and the bizarre consequences of evey click that makes you refresh the game and try again. Hapland’s success and brilliance is undisputed.
Play Hapland >
Hapland review >

Game: A Fistful of Revenge
Author: Philip O'Connor


Philip O’Connor’s first attempt at game making takes the tried and tested point-and-click adventure format and adds a brilliant graphical twist that sets it apart from the rest in the genre. A mix of exaggerated photographs and freshly created elements make up the scenery, while Philip’s friends and family appear as characters (with a few scars and moustaches added here and there for authenticity). As for Philip himself, he stars as the dead man in the game’s intro.

“I like the old Lucasarts point-and-click games,” explains the 23-year-old from Bristol. “Plus I'm very fond of Sergio Leone's spaghetti western films, so I thought I'd combine the two and make a game.” Although straightforward at first, the atmospheric audio and choice of endings – depending on whether you feel like being the good or bad guy – impressed the judges.
Play A Fistful of Revenge >
A Fistful of Revenge review >

Game: Sneeek
Author: Mobasher Iqbal


Mobasher Iqbal has made a number of simple challenges before Sneeek – some of which have already featured in the 4Games chart. The 22-year-old from Surbiton, Surrey, made Sneeek especially for the competition.

“I was thinking about making a game that involved testing the player’s mouse control ability,” he says. “Rather than go for the maze approach, I decided to create a game with various distractions and hazards which tested the user’s ability to concentrate and keep their reflexes sharp.”

A game of Sneeek may only last a minute (if you’re lucky), but there's a constant sense of intrigue about what distraction the game will throw up next, which forces you to play again.
Play Sneeek >
Sneeek review >

Game: The Stone Of Anamara
Author: Gabriel Rodriguez


Gabriel Rodriguez’s lush and spooky point-and-click cannot be considered for the prize, because Gabriel lives outside the UK (in Argentina), but the game is so polished we couldn't miss mentioning it.

The artwork is beautiful, the story compelling and the pace perfect. Some genuinely chilling moments spur the player on and the only disappointment is that part two is taking so long for Gabriel to complete. “I’m still doing the second chapter of the game alone so I have to split time between work, family and friends,” he says.
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The Stone Of Anamara review >