Sony to foot the bill for indie exhibitors at Tokyo Game Show
Furthering its efforts to be seen as the console manufacturer that cares about independent game developers, Sony has announced plans to pay exhibition fees for all games appearing in the Indie Game Area at this September's Tokyo Game Show.
There's no word on how many development teams will take Sony up on its offer, but according to the company's announcement, indie developers will be able to appear without any cost to themselves, regardless of which platform their game appears on. Sony claims that it will spend 99,900 yen (about $980) on each indie developer during the first four days of the show, as well as 32,400 yen (about $320) for the final two days, in which the Tokyo Game Show is open to the public. Additionally, Sony has agreed to sponsor the annual Sense of Wonder Night, in which 10 "unprecedented" game ideas will be publicly showcased for their originality.
Indie developers suddenly itching to attend TGS should keep a few caveats in mind. First, Sony is only allowing developers to exhibit their games at these gratis booths. No one in the Indie Game Area will be allowed to sell their wares directly to visitors. Further, only 50 booths will appear in the Indie Game Area. If you're interested, you should get your application to the TGS Management Office as soon as possible.
[Image: Wikimedia Commons]
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TOKYO GAME SHOW 2014
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Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. supports"Indie Game Area" and
"SENSE OF WONDER NIGHT 2014" as a special sponsor.
Application for exhibition entry at the Indie Game Area is now free
and is extended till June 11 (Wed).
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Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association
Nikkei Business Publications, Inc.
TOKYO GAME SHOW 2014, organized by the Computer Entertainment
Supplier's Association (CESA) and in cooperation with Nikkei
Business Publications, Inc. (Nikkei BP), announces Sony Computer
Entertainment Inc. (SCE) as a special sponsor for the "Indie
Game Area" and "SENSE OF WONDER NIGHT 2014 (SOWN 2014)";
two projects for independent game developers.
As a special sponsor, SCE will cover 100% of the exhibition fees
for the Indie Game Area, which will be exhibited through four
days for 99,900 yen, and exhibited through two days in Public
Days for 32,400 yen (* regardless of the platform of the
exhibition title).
Thanks to this, exhibition fees for all participants in this area
will be free. Also, to call for a wider range of exhibitions, the
deadline for application for exhibition entry is extended till
June 11 (Wednesday), from the original deadline of May 30
(Friday).
Maximum 50 booths (scheduled) out of applied titles will be
selected by the Administration Office to be exhibited in the
Indie Game Area.
Last year, the Indie Game Area was set for the first time in
the TOKYO GAME SHOW. 41 independent game developers from 10
countries/regions worldwide participated and attracted a lot
of attention. Many applications have been accepted for this
year's exhibition already.
The SOWN 2014, which presents "unprecedented" game ideas
including game prototypes, welcomes its 7th year and has been
a staple as the stage event for independent develops at TGS.
The application for the SOWN 2014 will be accepted until July 7
(Monday). Maximum 10 titles will be selected as the presentation
titles through the screening by the selection committee.
Both projects will be carried out with the cooperation of the
International Game Developers Association Japan Chapter
(IGDA Japan).
The TOKYO GAME SHOW provides opportunities to transmit new gaming
ideas to the world through projects for independent game
developers; Indie Game Area and SOWN 2014.
