http://www.igf.com/awards.htm

IGF always seemed like a great opertunity for exposure, and now i'm reading that they split the categories to a way that shareware games (or "downloadable games" as they call them, 15MB<) will have better chance against games who are over 15MB.

anyone participating this year?

I know 21-6 has submitted orbz. When I first started katsu's journey I wanted to have it done for last yeras IGF. Well, that was a joke, now this years is rolling around and we are getting very close, however there's enough missing that I feel it would be better if we waited for next years when the product is complete and polished.

I don't think a game like Katsu's Journey could win the IGF, it would be VERY lucky even to see the finals so I want to give it the best chance it can have.

Well, while I'm not sure I understand the logic behind making this distinction (I mean, a game is either innovative or it's not, and that's the main criteria for the IGF), as a developer I'm glad to hear it! The fact that there is now twice as much prize money available seems to be an indicator of more interest in the indie sector. W00t! :)

Before the announcement yesterday we were planning on submitting two of our projects (our current title aimed at market and an older, smaller title). Since the announcement, though, we're now planning on submitting five projects. It's going to be a busy five days :eek:

I'm still not sure how I feel about this change to tell you the truth. It seems to benefit people with large games more than anything else, since there will be a TON of games competing in the new category.

Originally posted by Gmicek
I'm still not sure how I feel about this change to tell you the truth. It seems to benefit people with large games more than anything else, since there will be a TON of games competing in the new category.

Very true, especially since the IGF organizers--and not the entrants--are binning the games into the categories. From last year's finalists, the following probably would've qualified for the category, if it existed:


Basegolf
Mr. Bigshot
Pontifex 2 (full is >20mb, but demo is <4mb; be interesting to see how they bin games like this)
Reiner Knizia's Samurai (not sure, just a guess)
Word Ninja


That's half of the finalists right there. Strange Adventures in Infinite Space and Teenage Lawnmower may have qualified, too, both of their demos are moderately-sized.

As the developer of a 100+MB game, I can live with this change!

Of course, on the minus side, it puts me up against the likes of "Wild Earth 2: Gee, It's Really Almost A Game Now" and other VC-funded ubermonstrosities of "independent" development. At least in the other category, I'd mostly be up against my actual peers in the 'real' indie biz.

I like the change. I submited Space Station Manager this year (even if it perpetually unfinished ..) and I assume they will group it in the downloadable category. If you want to compete in the bigger category you can always add an optional version with 20MB of cutscenes .. :)