Gamestop launches indie game competition
Prizes include $300,000 and the opportunity to pitch game to top publishers
A competition for professional and aspiring game developers has been launched offering participants a chance of winning prizes totalling USD 300,000 as well as the opportunity to pitch their game ideas to Sony, Nintendo, Electronic Arts and other big publishers at this year's D.I.C.E summit.
The Indie Game Challenge, which is being run jointly by Gamestop, The Guildhall at SMU and the Academy of Interactive Arts, is inviting individuals or teams to submit game betas and videos of pitches ahead of its October 1 closing date.
Judging will be carried out by the Academy and up to 12 finalists announced on January 15. These finalists will not only win a trip to Las Vegas summit D.I.C.E (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain) but also the opportunity to pitch their game idea to execs from Sony, Nintendo, Electronic Arts, Capcom, Microsoft, NAMCO/Bandai, THQ and Ubisoft - a opportunity that could have life-changing results, according to Mike Hogan, Gamestop senior vice president of marketing.
"Our entire industry is dependent on the cultivation of new, cutting edge game developers who continue to stretch the boundaries and imaginations of gamers," said Hogan. "By joining forces with The Guildhall at SMU and AIAS we hope to stimulate a new generation of game developers and reward them with cash awards and scholarships.
"Perhaps the most important aspect of the Challenge for competitors is the potentially life-changing opportunity to meet face-to-face with professionals who have helped make the gaming industry the success it is today."
As well as attending the D.I.C.E summit, the overall winner will receive USD 100,000 in prize money. Additional prizes, included cash ones and scholarships, will be handed out to other commended entrants.
"The Indie Game Challenge is innovative in that it motivates talented developers to compete, but more importantly it offers them the potentially life-changing opportunity to pitch their ideas to industry giants and make invaluable connections," said Joseph Olin, AIAS president.
"That alone is a priceless experience that many independent developers can only dream about."