Each year the Independent Games Festival (IGF), held in conjunction with the Game Developers Conference (GDC), provides a platform for indie developers to showcase their labours of love. The IGF saw a whopping 301 competition entrants this year.

The competition was conceived with the goal of giving unpublished developers a chance to shine at an event that attracts the biggest names in the business. The grand prize winner receives US$20 000, the Direct2Drive winner US$10 000, and the rest US$2500 each.

Over 170 indie gaming luminaries were on hand to judge the best of the finalists. Numerous titles from previous competitions have since become commercial hits, so be sure to take note of the names below – they are the next household names in indie gaming.

Seumas McNally Grand Prize: Monaco, by Pocketwatch Games

GF Nuovo Award: Tuning, by Cactus

Excellence in Visual Art: Limbo, by PlayDead

Excellence in Audio: Closure, by Closure Team

Technical Excellence: Limbo, by PlayDead

Excellence in Design: Monaco, by Pocketwatch Games

Student Showcase Award: Continuity, by Ragtime Games

IGF Mobile Best Game: Spider: The Secret Of Bryce Manor, by Tiger Style

Audience Award: Heroes Of Newerth, by S2 Games

D2D Vision Award: Max & The Magic Marker, by Press Play

Congratulations to all of the winners.