The Initiative Creative Gaming bestows the international Creative Gaming Awards in three categories as part of the PLAY - Creative Gaming Festival (31 October - 6 November). Artists and developers can submit games and playable media that allow players to interact with the game in a creative way.
The three categories are:
MOST CREATIVE GAME - honors games and playful media works from around the world that give players the opportunity to interact creatively within the game. The creative freedom can arise in the interaction with the game, out of the game or in the mind of the player. For example, works in this category may have multiple story paths, non-linear gameplay, role-play opportunities, unexpected interactions with other gamers, or be open to interpretation. Applicants are welcome to submit projects / prototypes / alpha or beta versions, playful media, performances or alternative controllers. The winners will receive prize money of € 1,000 and the PLAY AWARD trophy. All nominated projects will be showcased in the official PLAY exhibition in our online and onsite festival location - no build up, no travel necessary.
MOST INNOVATIVE NEWCOMER - honors artists worldwide who have produced a new creative game or playful media work. The winners, be they school-aged teenagers, students, indie developers or artist collectives, prove their creativity with a really innovative debut work. This can be characterized by special gameplay, transmediality, unprecedented or unexpected interaction possibilities in the game, essential graphic innovations, new interfaces, unusual atmospheres, visual breakthroughs or new topics that are dealt with. Finished projects / prototypes / alpha or beta versions, playful media, performances or alternative controllers can be submitted. Selected applicants will be supported for one year by a mentorship from the gaming industry and will receive the PLAY AWARD trophy. All nominated projects will be showcased in the official PLAY exhibition in our online and onsite festival location - no build up, no travel necessary.
AUDIENCE AWARD - during the festival, visitors of the festival can choose their favorite from all the works in the exhibition, which will also be honored with the PLAY trophy at the Awards Show.
Applications can be submitted until 17 July. The awarding ceremony will take place on 25 November onsite and online at the PLAY – Creative Gaming Festival. PLAY is the first and only festival worldwide to unite media art, discourse and education with the culture of digital games. It focuses on the creative utilization of digital games: invent, build, tinker, modify, program, dance, discuss. This year's festival revolves around the theme TAKE A BREATH, focusing on games and forms of play that make us stop, stand still and reflect.
More information can be found here.
