Indie Game Challenge deadline looms

Indie Game Challenge (IGC) officials are reminding game developers interested in entering this year’s challenge to submit their games right now. Eligibility to win one of two $100,000 cash prizes and a chance to pitch an independent game to top publishers is highly dependent on submissions being post-marked by October 31, 2009. Of the 12 finalist teams that will be chosen, two will be selected as grand prize winners. One professional team and one non-professional team will each be awarded $100,000. But what might be the most valuable prize is the opportunity for all 12 finalists to have face-to-face meetings with executives from publishers including Sony, Nintendo, Electronic Arts, Capcom, Microsoft, NAMCO/Bandai, THQ and Ubisoft.

Previously developed games, as well as new games are eligible for entry as long as they have not been professionally published in accordance with the complete rules found at www.indiegamechallenge.com. This includes the eligibility of games previously submitted to other competitions, whether or not those games placed, and online or self-published games that appear in the Apple store.

Judging will be conducted by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences after the October 31, 2009 deadline. Up to 12 finalist teams will be announced on or about January 15, 2010, and up to five members of each finalist team will be flown to an awards reception February 19, 2010, at the Red Rock Casino Resort Spa in Las Vegas following AIAS’s D.I.C.E. (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain) Summit.