10 tips from an IGF judge for submitting your indie game to IGF 2023
Submitting a game to the Independent Games Festival at GDC 2023 can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be! We've brought in an expert to help out.
IGF judge Aura Triolo has spent years coaching potential submitters on her Twitter account, providing key insight from someone who's been on the inside of the process. This year, we asked if we could share some of her best tips for our audience.
Below is an edited, condensed version of her latest conversation on Twitter (you can head to her account for more).
Head here to see how to apply for IGF 2023.
1. The odds of winning may be small, but that's not the only reason to submit your game. It's also a way to get your game in front of devs and press who can become your advocates. The judge and jury pools have indie veterans, press, and more who have signal-boosting and deal-making power. it isn't guaranteed that you'll get noticed, but it provides an ongoing opportunity for you and your team.
2. The best time to submit your game kind of depends on your goals. If you're 100% going for an award, it should be when the game is as finished as possible. However, if you're more interested in the connections IGF could provide, it should be as soon as the game is capable of conveying why someone would love it.
3. The best way to make your game stand out among hundreds of submissions is to be as up-front as possible about selling judges on your game. Say how your game is exciting and unique! Don't hold things back for fear of spoilers—this is not the place to do that. Tell the judges what's exciting up-front and explain what your goals are. The people playing these are gamedevs and press, they're happy to hop onboard for a compelling idea.
4. Assume people may not necessarily
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