Indie Game Challenge
Time running out for those hoping to be in line for one of two $100,000 cash prizes.
Dallas, TX – October 28, 2009 – Indie Game Challenge (IGC) officials encourage game developers interested in entering this year’s challenge to submit their games now. Eligibility to win one of two $100,000 cash prizes and a chance to pitch an independent game to top publishers hinges on submissions being post-marked by October 31, 2009.
Launched in July of this year by a partnership between the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences, GameStop Corp., and The Guildhall at Southern Methodist University, the IGC is offering an awards cache that supersedes those of similar industry competitions, and even finalists will walk away winners. Of 12 finalist teams, two will be selected as grand prize winners. One “professional” team and one “non-professional” team will each be awarded $100,000. Potentially the most valuable prize is the priceless opportunity all 12 finalists will receive – face-to-face meetings with executives from AAA publishers including Sony, Nintendo, Electronic Arts, Capcom, Microsoft, NAMCO/Bandai, THQ and Ubisoft.
Anyone needing assistance on how to enter the IGC can contact indiehelp@smu.edu.
IGC officials say that 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.
Indie Game Challenge Entry Quick Tips
• Register online at www.indiegamechallenge.com via the “How to Enter” icon
• Be prepared to provide your game name and genre (core, casual, cause)
• Have information on hand to briefly describe your game, platform and hardware requirements as well as the SDK version and middleware
• Include the following items in your game submission: video game on 10 discs, each with an installer, installation and game play instructions, copies of confirmation receipts and a short video (approximately 60 seconds) about your game, team and why you think your game should win
• Teams can have up to 15 members
• Teams can submit up to three games
• Only one iPhone application per team is allowed
• Questions can be directed to indiehelp@smu.edu and will be addressed promptly
For detailed information, read the Official Contest Rules online.
About GameStop Corp.
Headquartered in Grapevine, TX, GameStop Corp., a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company, is the world's largest video game and entertainment software retailer. The company operates 6,244 retail stores in 17 countries worldwide. The company also operates an e-commerce site, GameStop.com, and publishes Game Informer ® magazine, a leading multi-platform video game publication. GameStop Corp. sells new and used video game software, hardware and accessories for video game systems from Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft. In addition, the company sells PC entertainment software, related accessories and other merchandise. General information on GameStop Corp. can be obtained at the company's corporate website: www.gamestopcorp.com.
About The Guildhall at SMU
The Guildhall at Southern Methodist University is the premier graduate video game education program in the US. Many of the school’s founders are industry icons, and classes are taught by industry veterans. In six years, the program has graduated over 300 students, and alums work at more than 80 video game studios around the world, with several graduates now serving in leadership positions. SMU offers both a Master’s degree and a graduate Professional Certificate of Interactive Technology in Digital Game Development, with specializations in art creation, level design, and software development. For more information, please visit www.smu.edu
About the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences
The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) was founded in 1996 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of the interactive arts. The Academy’s mission is to promote and advance common interests in the worldwide interactive entertainment community; recognize outstanding achievements in the interactive arts and sciences; and conduct an annual awards show (Interactive Achievement Awards) to enhance awareness of the interactive art form. The Academy also strives to provide a voice for individuals in the interactive entertainment community. More information can be found at www.interactive.org
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CONTACT:
Ron Jenkins
The Guildhall at SMU
972.473.3546
jenkinsr@smu.edu