Hey all,

The folks from IGF messaged us about their fee waver program for 2020 submissions. We thought it would be a good thing to share with everyone here. Every year I see quite a few itch.io games at the IGF so I'm sure there are a number of you here who can take advantage of it.

Here are the details:

This year, Independent Games Festival organizers are particularly interested in receiving submissions from those making interesting or experimental works who might otherwise not enter the content because of the entry fee. Those under-represented creators interested in applying for a waiver on the full ($75) entry fee can submit initial details on their game here. Entries should be submitted by September 13th, and if selected, they will be given the opportunity to enter IGF 2020 for free.

You can apply for the fee waiver here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b83686d4bb264b38a37cfbe506ed61b4

If you are submitting to the IGF for this upcoming year tell us (regardless of if your fee is waived or not)! Post a link to your itch.io page in the comments.

Thanks

I looked at the rules to see who the competition was open to (which countries) - but they don't state that in the rules.  However, they do state that if you are chosen as a finalist it  does require you to attend the conference and showcase your game - at your own expense - and as far as I can tell that is in San Francisco, California, USA.  You can send someone in your place (assuming you know someone who lives nearby that would volunteer that much time) - they pay a stipend to the finalists $1 000 - but that is not going to cover the costs for anyone travelling internationally.    They also state that if you don't attend, you will forfeit being a finalist and it will be given to someone who can attend. 

 http://igf.com/igf-competition-rules

Also more hidden details are in the rules. It is being paid by GDC (Game Developers Confererence)  but mostly it is part of CDG events. Credit card only for people who do have money to pay the fee. GDC can use physical materials to promote and sell their products (meaning they can use your stuff without asking, not IPs).  If you do plan on going, they do not help you with computer stuff or give you any computer. All your games must be played in your computer (if you have a super computer you need to bring tha computer), there are ways like remote desktop but i do not think they will allow that.

This is what i hate the most, the rule says you are responsable for taxes and fees, which is what will happen because $1000 for certain banks in their agreement is too much or if you are in another country that is even too much money.

Judges may not be able to play your game, so what does this mean? It means if you build something like a new VR they might not be able to play your game or older systems like NES is something they might not be able to get.

Just being there at GDC means they can use your one time in the event to promote themselfs for money. 

Don't trust this event for anything it is all a plot to promote themselfs.