The 16th edition of the India Game Developer Conference (IGDC), South Asia’s premier gaming event, is set to take place at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) from November 13 to 15. This year, the conference is drawing attention with the introduction of the International Game Award and the Young Indie Scholarship Program, signalling a renewed focus on nurturing global talent and supporting emerging developers.
International Game Award To Debut At IGDC 2024
One of the most anticipated highlights of this year’s IGDC is the launch of the International Game Award, a new category aimed at recognising outstanding contributions from global developers. This addition will complement the ten existing award categories and two special jury awards, further enhancing the prestige of the IGDC Awards.
Developers are encouraged to submit their entries by September 10, with nominees set to be revealed on October 28. The winners will be announced at a grand awards ceremony on November 14, in Hyderabad.
This new award underscores IGDC’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and celebrating innovation in the gaming industry.
Young Indie Scholarship Program To Support Emerging Developers
Another major highlight of IGDC 2024 is the launch of the Young Indie Scholarship Program, an initiative designed to support young and aspiring game developers, particularly those who are currently unemployed or early in their careers. This year, 25 selected scholars will receive full scholarships, including access to the conference, accommodation, travel expenses, and mentoring opportunities. As part of the programme, recipients will also volunteer for a day at the event, giving them hands-on experience and valuable exposure to industry leaders.
The scholarship programme is aligned with IGDC’s mission to elevate India’s gaming talent by providing crucial support to young developers. The goal is to eventually support at least 100 young developers annually, offering them a unique platform to learn, network, and showcase their skills. This initiative reflects India’s growing status as a major global player in the gaming industry, with an expanding market driven by a youthful population and a robust digital ecosystem.
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Hub For Global, Local Gaming Talent
This year’s IGDC promises to be bigger and more impactful, featuring over 150 sessions, 250 speakers, and an expansive expo with more than 100 booths. Notable speakers include gaming industry veterans like Jordan Weisman, Tim Morten, and Bryce Johnson, alongside other prominent figures who will share insights on game development, technology, and market trends.
IGDC’s signature ‘Investor-Publisher Connect’ will also return, providing an exclusive platform for developers to meet with investors and publishers. The session is expected to draw over 100 investors this year, fostering potential deals and collaborations.
The expo will highlight Indie developers, gaming companies, and various interactive exhibits, including sponsor booths, country pavilions, and displays by award nominees and competition finalists. The Indie Zone will feature 40 developers, with 20 receiving complimentary tables sponsored by Microsoft Xbox, offering them an invaluable opportunity to pitch their games to industry leaders.
As India’s gaming industry continues to grow rapidly — now home to over 568 million gamers — IGDC 2024 stands as a pivotal event for industry professionals to connect, innovate, and explore the future of gaming.
How To Get Tickets For IGDC 2024
For more information on tickets and registration, visit indiagdc.com.