The IGF was established in 1998 to encourage innovation in game development and to recognize the best independent game developers, in the way that the Sundance Film Festival has benefited independent filmakers. The IGF has given away hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizes and major recognition to innovative, independently created videogames from all over the world, from early pioneering titles such as Tread Marks and Shattered Galaxy, through recent stand-outs such as Oasis, Alien Hominid, and Gish.

More than $45,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to IGF competition winners this year. The main IGF competition will give out five major awards for Visual Arts, Audio, Game Design, Technical Excellence, and Best Web Browser Game, chosen from a pool of finalists. Additional honors from amongst the finalists will be presented for the Seumas McNally Grand Prize for Independent Game of the Year and the Audience Award. The IGF's new mod competition will award the most outstanding, independently developed total conversion modifications for four major games. IGF supporters are invited to help choose the titles to be included in the competition by voting at www.igf.com. The IGF's Student Showcase will highlight a total of ten games this year, including a new category for games created using middleware.

"With the new changes to the IGF this year, we look forward to seeing entries from even more innovative developers who dare to take creative risks," said Simon Carless, Co-Chairman of the Independent Games Festival. "From the new modding competition to the enhanced prize categories, the 2006 festival will present the best this thriving community has to offer."

The IGF takes place annually during the Game Developers Conference (GDC), scheduled for March 20-24, 2006 in San Jose, California. The GDC is the largest gathering of videogame creators worldwide. Developers interested in submitting a game can visit www.igf.com for official rules and entry forms.