Game Connection Europe Unveils 'Selected Projects' Contest

Organizers for Lyon, France-based video game trade show Game Connection Europe said Thursday that they are now accepting submissions for the new indie-focused "Game Connection Selected Projects" contest. The group said that the contest is open to indie game developers worldwide, and developers of the top 20 selected games in the contest will show them for free to potential publishers and distributors on the opening day of Game Connection, which runs from November 16-18. The deadline for the contest is October 13. When doing their live presentations, the developers of each of the selected 20 titles will have five minutes to pitch the game and convince the industry audience of their respective game's merits. Selected developers will also be able to network face-to-face with potential partners and display their games at a special "Selected Projects" stand during the Game Connection convention. Three projects will be named "Best Project 2011." The competition is open to games of any genre, platform or distribution method. This includes "console, mobile, and online games ranging from pre-production to ready-to-market" games, organizers said. A panel of experts will review the submissions, weighing in on innovation, creativity, concept, design, gameplay and "financial viability." The competition's official website (where developers can apply) said that competitors' entries must be "Original, different and innovative (gameplay, business model, etc.)"; Unsigned by a publishing or distribution partner; Available for press promotion; Have a two- to four-minute video to be used for the pitch; and a working demo. "Our '20 Selected Projects' contest is a great way for developers to bring their unfinished titles in front of major decision makers and maybe get a publishing or distribution contract," said Game Connection Europe managing director Pierre Carde in a statement. "I know this industry has been scary about showing the unsigned but this paranoia must come to an end and we wish to help change that."