2011 Indie Game Challenge to give away $350k in prizes

The 2011 Indie Game Challenge has opened for entries, inviting development teams to submit their game pitches.

Launched by The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, GameStop and The Guildhall at Southern Methodist University, the second annual challenge has been extended to include international professional and amateur games developers.

Prizes up for grabs include two grand prizes of $100,000 plus additional prize money and scholarships worth in excess of $350,000.

Entrants are required to register their team at the official website, then submit a working beta copy of their game and a pitch video before October 1, 2010.

Speaking about last year's inaugural Indie Games Challenge, Joseph Olin, president of AIAS, said: "The number of games submitted was surpassed by the overall quality of the 12 finalists. The three partners collectively are committed to cultivating the immense pool of talent within this global medium – which is what led to opening the Challenge to international teams."

Last year's Challenge winners were crowned at the 2010 DICE Summit in Las Vegas.

Team leader Rob Jagnow of winning studio Lazy 8 said the Indie Game Challenge had helped his team on many levels.

"Not only did we have a great time meeting all of the other indie developers," he said, "but it was also an unparalleled opportunity to mingle with some of the most influential names in the gaming industry."

"Even if you don't get nominated as a finalist, the IGC deadline will help drive your game development with a hard deadline," he added.