Independent Games Festival finalists revealed

The 12th annual Independent Games Festival will be taking place over 9 – 13 March in San Francisco. The event not only gives independent game developers from around the world an opportunity to showcase their projects and make valuable industry contacts, but also plays host to a competition with over US$40 000 (±R310 000) in prizes up for grabs.

The record number of entrants for 2010 – 306 to be exact – has been reduced to a list of finalists after a lengthy qualifying judging process. There are six categories in which five selected finalists may compete. Excellence in Visual Art, Excellence in Audio, Excellence in Design, and Technical Achievement all offer an award of US$2 500 (±R19 300).

The Nuovo award of US$2 500 honours unique short-form, abstract and unconventional titles. The category allows such games to demonstrate their esoteric and experimental art styling without having to compete with a full length title. The Seumas McNally Grand Prize of US$20 000 (±R155 000) goes to the best overall title in the competition.

Of the finalists, here are my picks to watch out for:

Super Meat Boy: The player takes control of an animated cube of meat who’s trying to save his girlfriend (who happens to be made of bandages) from an evil fetus in a jar wearing a tux. The game is a platformer that promises to be as tough as nails, and is nominated for the Grand Prize and the Excellence in Audio award.

Rocketbirds: Revolution!: A Flash powered platform game with stylish visuals. Take charge of Hardboiled Chicken as he fights against the penguin oppressors. The game is nominated for the Grand Prize, Excellence in Visual Art, and Excellence in Audio.

Heroes of Newerth: HoN is based on the wildly successful Warcraft 3 custom map DotA. As such, although currently in closed beta testing, HoN has already garnered a loyal following. Developer S2 games is no stranger to independent games publishing, having previously released the renowned Savage series of games. HoN is nominated for the Technical Excellence award.

Closure: Nominated for the Nuovo Award, Excellence in Audio, and Technical Excellence, closure explores abstract gameplay elements that fit in perfectly with the Nuovo category. A puzzle platformer, the game has the player carrying an orb of light with them as they try to make sense of the blackness of the game world.

Be sure to visit the IGF website for a detailed look at what all of the finalists have to offer.