IRI has launched a competition for indie developers. Winners will be given funding to create a game prototype
The Internet Development Institute (IDI) has announced a new initiative. It has launched a contest specifically for indie developers to find the best ideas for game prototypes.
Both legal entities and individuals can participate in the IDI contest. Individuals, however, need to meet specific requirements: first, they must be over 18 years old, and second, if they win, they will be required to register as an individual entrepreneur.
Another important requirement set by IDI is for team leaders and game designers — they must be experienced professionals with relevant education.
As per the contest rules, developers need to present IDI with original game ideas, upon which they will then create a demo version or a vertical slice.
There appear to be no restrictions on genres and platforms, but there are on the themes. A total of seven themes are proposed for the games, identical to those in the "National Content" contest:
1. "protection of national interests and public values";
2. "heroes of our time and reasons for pride";
3. "quality changes in life in Russia";
4. "multinationality: unity in diversity";
5. "spiritual and moral guidelines";
6. "family values, raising children and adolescents";
7. "vision of the future".
Applications for the contest can be submitted until the evening of May 30. The winners will be announced no later than October 10.
The winners of the IDI contest are promised up to 7.5 million rubles for creating a vertical slice and up to 15 million rubles for developing a demo version. They will need to complete either one just under a year — the deadline is October 6, 2026.
More details about the contest conditions can be read on the IDI website.